Edward C. Smith

Edward Charles Smith, 79, of Hillsdale, New York passed away surrounded by the love of his family. Born on May 29, 1947, in Great Barrington, Massachusetts, Ed was the son of the late Arthur and Edna Smith. He built a life centered around family, hard work, service, and community.

On Christmas Eve in 1970, he married the love of his life, Sara. Together they shared more than five decades of marriage, raising a family and creating countless memories filled with laughter, love, and unwavering devotion.

Ed proudly enlisted in the United States Army on August 4, 1965, while still in high school. He served his country in Germany before transferring to the United States Army Reserve on August 11, 1968. He was honorably discharged on August 3, 1971, carrying with him the pride and discipline of his military service throughout his life.

A gifted athlete, Ed played football in the Empire Football League during the 1970s. His passion for the game continued long after his playing days, as he dedicated many years to coaching young athletes with the South County Chargers, Twin County Vikings, and Berkshire Mountaineers. He loved mentoring young people both on and off the field.

Throughout his life, Ed embraced many careers, each reflecting his strong work ethic and love of people. He spent years working on the railroad before dedicating himself to helping children at Kolbourne School and Taconic Hills Central School District. He was also a local business owner, operating the Dairy Queen and later Mr. Ed's Emporium, where he became a familiar and friendly face to many. In his later years, he worked at the Hillsdale Transfer Station, where he enjoyed the daily conversations and friendships he made with residents.

Ed and Sara were also well known as beloved landlords in Canaan, Connecticut, where they formed lasting relationships with many of their tenants over the years. Some of Ed's happiest moments were the simple ones—sharing stories and coffee with friends at the Hillsdale Diner, catching up with neighbors, and spending summers at the family's cottage in Alton Bay on Lake Winnipesaukee. Whether talking football, reminiscing about old times, or enjoying the lake with family, Ed never met a stranger and had a remarkable ability to make people feel welcome. Above all else, Ed was devoted to his family. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Sara Smith; his children, Edward C. Smith II and his wife, Kelly Russell Smith; Andrew Smith and his wife, Becca Phelps-Smith; Adam Smith and his wife, Amber Smith; Karen Smith Gripp; and Christopher Smith and his wife, Robin Smith. He is also survived by his cherished sister, Wendy Biasin and her husband, Bill Biasin. Ed was a proud grandfather to Heather, Stefan, Sarah, Jacob, Devin, Ashlyn, Lianna, Willow, Wolf, Cassie, Nathaniel, Noah, and Emma. He was also blessed with great-grandchildren Adrian, Olivia, Steve, Blake, Olivia, Juel, Zion, and Lamoni, all of whom brought him tremendous joy.

Ed will be remembered for his generous heart, quick wit, love of conversation, dedication to his family, and the countless lives he touched through his service, coaching, work, and friendship. His legacy lives on in the family he loved so deeply and in the many people fortunate enough to have known him. 

As many of you know, Ed touched the lives of so many people throughout the years. Per Ed's wishes, there will be no calling hours. The family will gather at a later date for a service and Celebration of Life, which will be announced at a future time.

To help ease the financial burden of his final arrangements, we have created a GoFundMe to assist with cremation, funeral home expenses, and the upcoming service and Celebration of Life. Your generosity and support—whether through a donation or by sharing this fundraiser—mean more to our family than words can express.

https://www.gofundme.com/f/support-edward-smith-srs-funeral-expenses/cl/sutm_campaign=fp_sharesheet&utm_content=amp20_control&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link&lang=en_US

Thank you for helping us honor Ed's memory and for keeping our family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Peck & Peck Funeral Homes