RICHFIELD SPRINGS - Ellis (Al) Smith, 100, of Bronner Street, passed away peacefully in his bed on Monday evening, April 15, 2002. He was active for 100 years. Its the end of an era - he was a man for all seasons. Ellis was born in a small farmhouse in Westmoreland on September 14, 1901. He was the first child of Orrin Dean and Anna Leard Smith. Ellis attended the Utica Free Academy. He was captain of the baseball and football teams and in 1918 was president of the U.F.A. student body of 1,500 students. He also starred in baseball and football at Cushing Preparatory Academy in Massachusetts. As a young man, he met a professional wrestler named Henry White. This sparked his interest in wrestling. He wrestled in Utica gyms and taught wrestling to fellow students while attending Cushing. He took pride in amateur wrestling and would enter competition with the carnival wrestlers when they came to Richfield. For one season he played semi-pro football with the Utica Knights of Columbus. This was a year before the National Football League (NFL) was formed. For 18 years he was a pitcher for the Richfield Springs Town Baseball Team. Ellis was the last member of the US Cavalry Troop "G" out of Utica. For most of his life he had riding horses. Even in his 90s he drove his pony Casper around town. He never traveled without his Stetson hat. For over 50 years Ellis was an independent insurance agent with the North American Insurance Company. Ellis was a member of the American Legion of Richfield Springs. They honored him in his 100th year with a ribbon medal. A mason for almost 50 years he was past master of Richfield Springs Lodge No. 482 F.&A.M. In May of 2000 he was honored with the Dedicated Service Award. He was past director of the Richfield Sportsmans Club, and also served as a Republican Committeeman for 25 years. For over 50 years he would travel to Canada on fishing trips. He hunted deer in Beaver River and enjoyed bird hunting. He was a long-time gardener, his gardens were bounteous and beautiful. He also enjoyed playing cards, and bowling. As a senior citizen he took up the game of golf with the town of Richfield Springs team, winning championship at the age of 89. In 1924 Ellis married Maria Wallis. They had two children;his beloved son Monte Blue Smith who predeceased him on March 16, 1997; a daughter Marilynn Zoller and her husband Kendall of West Winfield. His wife Maria passed on in 1941. Ellis remarried in 1942 to Stephanie Marosek of Little Falls. They had three children: Barbara Smith of the home address, Charles and his wife Carolyn Smith of Honolulu, Hawaii, Pamela Erdmann and her husband Reinhard of Richfield Springs, Also surviving are his daughter-in-law Elouise Smith of Richfield Springs, 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. Besides his son Monte, he was preceded in death by his wife Stephanie in 1989, two grandson, Uri Erdmann in 1993 and Allan Smith in 1994, two brothers Benton and Clinton Smith and a sister Dearborn Reeves Jerson. A service of the Burial Office and Holy Communion will be held on Saturday 2:00 p.m. in St. Johns Episcopal Church Richfield Springs. The Reverend John Dixon Bartle will officiate. Interment will follow in Lakeview Cemetery. The family will be present in J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, 40 West James Street, to receive relatives and friends on Friday from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. and 7:00 - 9:00 p.m. Members of Richfield Springs Lodge No 482 F.&A.M. are asked to meet Friday evening at 8:00p.m. for ritualistic services. If desired a contribution in Ellis Smiths memory may be made to the charity of your choice.