Albert J. Smith

ITHACA - Albert "Albie" J. Smith, 82, of Burdick Hill Road, died peacefully at his home on Thursday, October 30, 2014. Born April 18, 1932 in Ithaca, he was the son of the late Helen Yenei With and Clifford L. Smith. Albert graduated from the Ithaca High School in 1949 and attended Cornell University for 1 year in the School of Architecture. A carpenter by trade he worked for Cayuga Lumber and then Agway Lumber as their kitchen consultant for many years. Later he started his own business "Kitchens by Al Smith". In retirement he was employed as "Clerk of Works" by CFCU Community Credit Union overseeing the construction of several bank branches.
He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years Sylvia S. Smith, daughter Diane E. Heffner of Columbia SC, son Alan G. Smith of Ithaca, daughter Sandra S. (Karl) Conrad of Dryden, Granddaughters Kerri M. Conrad and Monika E. Conrad of Dryden, nieces Susan (R. Chris) Howe of Danby and Donna (Glenn) Fisher of Etna. He is predeceased by his step mother Celina Dawson Smith, brother Donald C. Smith and several aunts and uncles.
His great love of model aviation drew him at a young age to devote many years to building, flying and competing with his model airplanes and helicopters. Through the years he received numerous trophies and awards for his efforts. His greatest achievement was his Air Wolf helicopter that he designed and built that was featured in several magazines such as Model Aviation between 1991 and 1995. His other interests were golf, bowling and spending time with family and friends.
Calling hours will be held at Bangs Funeral Home, 209 West Green Street, Ithaca on Sunday, November 2, 2014 between noon and 2 PM. The funeral service immediately following will be officiated by Rev. Dale Ford. The burial will be attended by the immediate family at a later date. Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salvation Army or Food Bank of the Southern Tier in his memory.