Van Hornesville - Ronald Andrew Smith, Age 79, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loved ones on Saturday April 21, 2018 in Bassett Medical Center, Cooperstown after a brief illness. Ronald was born with his twin brother, Robert, on August 15 1938 in Cooperstown, the son of the late John G and Mildred Shaul Smith. A lifelong resident of Van Hornesville he was a graduate of Van Hornesville High School. Mr. Smith was first married to the former Gertrude Ambridge from 1960 until her death in 1991. On July 31, 1993 he was united in marriage to the Former Nancy Hess Souder in the rectory at Saint Josephs RC Church in Dolgeville. Ronald proudly worked for the NYS Department of Transportation for 35 years and retired in 2000 as a Regional Trainer for Heavy Equipment Operation. He also had a proud history of Farming prior to his state service in both Van Hornesville and Hartford Connecticut. Ronald also worked at the Owen D. Young Central school as a bus driver. Mr. Smith served as a member of The Army National Guard for 17 years, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. Ronald served his Van Hornesville community in many capacities throughout his lifetime. He took great pride in his service as the Town of Stark Historian, founding member of the Van Hornesville Food Pantry, former Owen D. Young School Board Member, Town of Stark Assessor, 4-H Leader of the Starkville Champions, served in the Van Hornesville Fire Department for over 50 years, member of the Van Hornesville Cemetery Association board from 1981 until present, former Owen D. Young Alumni Association president, lifelong member of the Van Hornesville Methodist church and the Van Hornesville Community Corporation serving as President and on the board of Directors for many years. Ronalds love for his community will never be forgotten. To those who knew Ron, they will never forget a sincere, caring and helpful man. He will be sadly missed by the entire Van Hornesville Community. Mr. Smith also proudly served as a Director for the Herkimer County Fair Board Association and Superintendent of the Vegetable Garden Department. As a Cornell Cooperative Master Gardener for many years, he taught raised bed gardening classes throughout the Mohawk Valley. His gardens in Van Hornesville were a source of great pride and fed his family well throughout the years. He loved his John Deere tractors and spent many hours operating and restoring them. His greatest love was his family history and sharing the history of his beloved Van Hornesville. He and his mother co-authored a portion of the Herkimer County Historical Magazine Legacy in 1993 that is still used as a well-known reference to Van Hornesville history. Ronald was a proud member of the Richfield Springs Masonic Lodge #482. He was the last surviving member of the Evergreen Lodge # 363. He also enjoyed hunting as a member of the Mohawk Valley Cat and Coon club. Ronald and Nancy enjoyed many camping trips upon their retirement throughout central NY. Ronald loved his camp at Spruce Lake in Salisbury, NY. He spent many summers there with his family enjoying its beauty, his grandchildren and his neighbors. Surviving are his wife Nancy, son, Timothy A. Smith (companion Tiffany Campion) of Van Hornesville, a daughter Teresa Doxtater of Fort Plain, His grandchildren Jennifer Smith of Stuart Draft Virginia, Stephanie (Alex) DePietro of Mohawk, Rebecca Smith of Clifton Park, Elizabeth and Luke Doxtater of Fort Plain, Victoria and Sofia Robles of Stroudsburg PA. , Great Grandchildren Konnor, Brady and Hunter, his sister in law Carol Smith of Rotterdam, Nieces Carolyn Smith of Ilion and Annette McDonald of Rotterdam and Nephew Michael Smith of Rochester. He also leaves behind step-children Theresa (Pablo) of Stroudesburg PA, John (Stephanie) Souder of Herkimer and Nicholas (Liz) of Albany. Ronald has many cherished cousins who, along with his brother, enjoyed a lifetime of good times and great stories. Besides is parents he was predeceased by his beloved twin brother Robert who was his lifelong best friend and cherished companion. The Smith Boys will be forever remembered for their farming hijinks, being mistaken for each other and their love of family and Van Hornesville. A Memorial Service will be held at the Van Hornesville Community Center in Van Hornesville at 2 PM on Saturday, April 28 2018. The family will receive visitors from 12noon-2:00pm at the VHCC. Interment will follow the memorial service at the Van Hornesville Cemetery with a graveside service by the Masons and the National Guard. Funeral arrangements are with J. Seaton McGrath Funeral Home, Richfield Springs. In accordance with Mr. Smiths wishes, the family asks that no flowers be sent but consider donating to Ronalds community through the VH Food Pantry, VH Cemetery Association, VH Methodist Church, VH Fire Dept. or the VH Community Corporation. If you are able join us for Ronalds memorial service, the family asks that you consider wearing red, his favorite color. Calling Hours Van Hornesville Community Center Saturday, April 28, 2018 12:00 PM - 02:00 PM State Highway 80 Van Hornesville, NY 13475 Memorial Service Van Hornesville Community Center Saturday, April 28, 2018 02:00 PM State Highway 80 Van Hornesville, NY 13475 Masonic Funeral Service Van Hornesville Cemetery Saturday, April 28, 2018 03:00 PM Cemetery Road Van Hornesville, NY 13475