Donald Smith

Donald G. Smith

1940 to 2025

Donald G. (Smitty) Smith, formerly of Little Falls, NY, Syracuse, NY, and most recently Cumming, GA, passed away on January 15, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born on October 26, 1940, in Amsterdam, NY, he was the son of the late Hilda and Jay Smith. Smitty graduated from Little Falls High School in 1960 and soon answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Army, where he proudly served from 1960 to 1963. Upon completing his military service, Smitty returned to Little Falls where he worked as an auto mechanic at the family business, Jay C. Smith Garage, a cornerstone of the community.

In 1975, Smitty and his family relocated to Syracuse, NY, where he began a new chapter in his career as a salesperson for Syracuse Auto Parts. Known for his friendly demeanor and mechanical expertise, Smitty built many lasting relationships over these years as a dedicated professional who took great pride in serving his customers and sharing his knowledge.

Throughout his life, Smitty was a devoted family man and a cherished friend to many. He was a loving father who actively supported his two sons as they played ice hockey and competed in various motorsports. Smitty was an avid automotive enthusiast who loved just tinkering around the garage alone or working on his son’s stock car to get it ready for racing on the weekend. He loved a good book or automotive magazine and one of his greatest joys later in life was watching and attending his grandchildren's sporting events.

Smitty was a loving husband and shared an inseparable bond with his beloved wife of 58 years, Marilyn (Volpe) Smith. Together, they were more than a couple, they were best friends, whose love and companionship shaped a beautiful life filled with many happy memories.

Smitty is survived by his loving wife Marilyn; two sons, Aaron (Susan) Smith and Jason (Yuridia Garza) Smith; eight cherished grandchildren, Hunter, Margaret, Emma, Reilly, Elizabeth, Nicholas, Chevy, and Max Smith; and three brothers-in-law, David (Mary Jean) Volpe, Rich (Laurie) Volpe, and Fran (Jackie) Volpe.

Smitty will be remembered for his kind heart, contagious smile, and the love he showed to everyone he met. His legacy lives on in the memories he created with his family and friends.

Services will be scheduled for a later date in time. Online notes of sympathy and pictures can be posted at https://mcDonaldandson.com/cumming-obituaries/

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks you to consider a donation in Smitty’s memory to the Shepherd Center Foundation ( https://foundation.shepherd.org/ ), as a reflection of his generous spirit.

Rest in peace Smitty, you will be deeply missed and forever loved.