Obituary of Michael J. Smith

MICHAEL J. SMITH Rensselaer-Michael J. Smith, 81 formerly of Rensselaer and Cohoes, beloved husband of the late Carol M. Perry Smith, entered into eternal life on Thursday, August 6, 2009 at the Van Rensselaer Manor. Born in Troy, he was son of the late Warren J. and Helen (Doyle) Smith. A graduate of Christian Brothers Academy, he later learned the trade of plumbing by attending plumbing school. Michael married his beloved Carol M. Perry on November 7, 1948 and the two shared a blessed union of over 59 years until her passing on July 12, 2007. He was a Licensed Plumbing & Heating Technician, employed by Carpinello Oil, of Rensselaer for over 15 years until retiring in 1990. He resided in Cohoes for over 30 years and later Rensselaer for 30 years. Michael was a former communicant of St. John's Church in Rensselaer for over 30 years and currently a communicant of Our Lady of the Assumption Church in Latham. Survivors include his loving children, Michael (Cheryl) T. Smith of Latham, Colleen Place of Albuquerque, NM, Cindy (Kevin) Dennin of Clifton Park and Paula (Frank) A. Stopera of Latham. his sister Shirley Marro of Cohoes, his cherished grandchildren Cory Smith of New York City, Erika Smith of Washington, DC, Ryan Dennin of Boston, MA, Amanda Stopera and Alex Stopera both of Latham. He was the stepbrother of Sheila Reynolds, Billy Stanton and Marty Stanton. Michael was predeceased by his daughter, Diane M. Smith A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday August 8, 2009 at 10:00 am in Our Lady of The Assumption Church, 498 Watervliet-Shaker Road, Latham with Pastor Rev. Geoffrey Burke officiating. . Relatives and friends are invited and may call Friday from 4-7 p.m. at the Dufresne & Cavanaugh Funeral Home, Ltd., 149 Old Loudon Rd, Latham. Interment will be in Memory's Garden, Colonie. Contributions in memory of Michael Smith may be made to the VanRensselaer Manor Nursing Home Activities Fund 85 Bloomingrove Drive Troy, NY 12180. For directions, information or to light a memory candle for the family, please visit www.dufresneandcavanaugh.com.