HERKIMER-John C. Smith age 76 of Osborne Hill Road passed away peacefully on Friday morning September 23, 2011 in his home. He had the comfort of his loving family at his side. John was born on April 15, 1935 in Mohawk, son of the late Milo and Mabelle G. Hull Smith. A lifelong Herkimer resident, he was raised on the family farm and was educated at Herkimer High School. On December 6, 1953 he was united in marriage with the former Marlene R. Jackson in Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. For over thirty-five years Mr. Smith was employed by Niagara Mohawk Company. He retired on May 31, 1993 as Chief Gas Mechanic with the company. Mr. Smith had a strong faith in God and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Herkimer. At one time he was active with the Boy Scout Troop at the church, helping out with their many activities and enjoyed going on camping trips with the scouts. He was a member of the Herkimer Elks Lodge # 1439 and the Ilion Moose Lodge. In his leisure time he enjoyed bowling and was active in a local bowling league for forty years and in more recent years he found pleasure in playing golf. To all who knew John, they will never forget a good natured man with a great sense of humor. He was always willing to do for others yet expecting nothing in return. He will be greatly missed by his many friends and family especially his cherished grandchildren and great grandchildren. Surviving are his devoted wife of fifty-seven years Marlene, two sons, Jack L. Smith of Herkimer, Michael Smith and his wife Darlene of Fort Herkimer, two daughters and their husbands, Kathaleen and Richard Ervin of the town of Fairfield, Michele and William Mlinar of East Herkimer, two sisters, Beverly Lyga of East Herkimer and Norma Foster of Herkimer, seven grandchildren, Koren Scanlon and her husband Shawn, Eric Ervin, Tiffany Gorman and her husband Scott, Kristen Smith, Ira Michael Smith, Neil Mlinar and Olivia Mlinar, seven great grandchildren, Riley and Brielle Scanlon, Gabrielle Gorman, Abigail and Carter Lee, Scott and Kayla Gorman Besides his parents he was preceded in death by his three brothers, Ronald Ronnie Smith, Wilfred Willie Smith and Adelbert Skip Smith and his two canine companions Gidget and Oreo. The family will be present to receive relatives and friends in Fenner Funeral Home Inc., 115 Court Street; Herkimer on Sunday (today) from 4:00 until 7:00 pm. Funeral service will take place on Monday at 11:00 am in the Christ Episcopal Church, Herkimer. The Very Reverend Paul Baily, Rector will officiate. Interment will follow in Middleville Cemetery. Expressions of sympathy may be made with memorial donations to the Christ Episcopal Church or Hospice Palliative Care. Envelopes will be available at the funeral home. The family wishes to express their appreciation to Hospice Palliative Care, Faxton-St Lukes Medical Center, friend of the family, Jeanne Martinez and Johns granddaughter Koren Scanlon for their care and compassion during this difficult time. r.