Gerald F. Smith (Jerry)

Gerald F. Smith (Jerry) passed away July 13, 2019 with his family at his side at the Chautauqua Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He is predeceased by his parents William and Angeline (Cloos) Smith. Jerry was born on May 26, 1920 in Dunkirk, NY where after attending St. Mary’s elementary school he graduated from Dunkirk High School. He stayed on for a postgraduate year. He then graduated from the Spartan School of Aeronautical Engineering and was employed at Northrup helping to develop new airplane designs for World War II. While in California he took courses at USC. He then enlisted in the Army Air Force and was trained as a pilot. He had a lifelong love of airplanes and ships. After the end of WWII he attended the University of Oklahoma and completed his degree in mechanical engineering. He left a job at United Technologies Helicopter and Aircraft to return to Dunkirk to help his father where they founded Wm. J. Smith & Son Plumbing and Heating. He met and married Margaret Hyland. They built their home in the year preceding their marriage in 1950. Jerry took his business into the design of kitchens and bathrooms. Later he also worked at S. Howe in Silver Creek. Jerry was always supportive of his community and the environment. He was a member of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Parish, a founding member of the West Town of Dunkirk Volunteer Fire Department and an active member of the Coast Guard Auxiliary. He loved sailing, camping and traveling. He also enjoyed playing tennis and volleyball, and especially watching his sons and grandchildren play a variety of sports. He was a talented woodworker and willingly helped his family with their many projects. In addition to his parents he is predeceased by his wife of 48 years, Peg, his son Bill, his grandson Timothy, and his sister and brother-in-law Marguerite and Thomas Ambrose. He leaves his daughter Rebecca (Richard) Conti, and son Michael (Kathy) Smith and grandchildren Jennifer Conti, Rachel (Christopher) Bruzee, Melissa (Thomas) Mazza, Christopher (Kristina) Smith, and Emily Smith. He also leaves his great-grandchildren Dominic and Luca Bruzee and Piper Mazza. Visiting hours will be Sunday July 21, 2019 from 47 at McGraw-Kowal Funeral Home in Dunkirk, NY. A Mass of Christian Burial will be on Monday, July 22, 2019 at St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Church in Dunkirk, NY at 10 a.m. Flowers are gratefully declined. In memory of Jerry donations may be made to Save the Michaels, 737 Delaware Ave., Buffalo, NY 14209 or to Northern Chautauqua Catholic School, attn. Gerald and Margaret Smith Scholarship.