Obituary of R. Dwight Smith

R. Dwight Smith "Coach Smith" November 25, 1944 ~ October 7, 2013 Robert Dwight Smith, 68, passed away peacefully at home on Monday October 7, 2013, in Thompson Ridge, NY after a long courageous battle with cancer. The son of the late James R. and Salena F Smith, Dwight was born in Russelville, Alabama on November 25, 1944. Dwight proudly served his family in the Army, Air Force, and retired from the NY Air National Guard in 1998. He served in Vietnam from 1967-1968. As an educator, Dwight was employed by the Pine Bush and Goshen School Districts and also worked as a treatment assistant at the Mid-Hudson Psychiatric Center in New Hampton, NY. He had a lifetime membership at the Elk Lodge #1097 and the VFW Post #5523. In addition, Dwight belonged to the Moose Lodge, the American Legion Post and the Vietnam Veterans of America. He was also an active member of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church in Thompson Ridge, NY. Sports were an important part of Coach Smith's life and he kept active playing racquetball, softball, and running. His true passion was coaching football at Pine Bush, Goshen and Burke Catholic High Schools. Coach Smith will always be remembered for his encouragement, guidance and his influence toward the young players he worked with. His goal was not to just win, but to inspire them to win proudly, fairly and to learn from each and every experience. He created lifelong friendships with many students, athletes and their families, many who traveled long distances to be with him during his last days. He is survived by his loving wife of 46 years, Carolyn, his daughter Kimberly Lesczynski and grandchildren Alyssa and Anthony of Thompson Ridge, NY who loved him not only as a grandfather but as a dad as well. He is also survived by his son Kyle Smith and wife Amy, grandchildren Ava, Emily and Tristan of Greenville, NY. Dwight is also survived by his sister-in-laws Patti Smith and Sue Smith of Alamogordo, NM, his sister-in-law Joan and her husband Jim Hutchinson of Clifton, NJ and mother-in-law Louise Tomanek of Matlacha, FL, As well as nieces, nephews, cousins, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by a nephew and his brothers Roger C. Smith and Jerry F. Smith. Visitation will be held on Friday October 11th 2013 from 2-4 &7-9 , at the William M. Gagan Funeral Home, Inc. 1525 Burlingham Road Pine bush, NY 12566. Funeral services will be offered on Saturday October 12th 2013 at 10am, at the Hopewell Presbyterian Church with Pastor David Widmer officiating. Burial, with full Military Honors will take place in the Orange County Veteran Cemetery, Goshen NY. Donations can be made to Hopewell Presbyterian Church, Po Box 15, Thompson Ridge NY 10985. Hospice of Orange and Sullivan Counties, 800 Stony Brook Ct, Newburgh NY 12550. Wounded Warrior Project- Po Box 758517 Topeka, KS 66675 or WWW.WoundedWarriorProject.Org