David E., “Dave” Smith of Lincolndale, New York, died on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Waterview Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center in Purdy’s, New York.
Dave was born August 4, 1940, in Norwalk, Connecticut. His parents were Stella and Edward Smith, who lived in Vista, New York. He was in the first graduating class from John Jay High School in Cross River. Dave was the first family member to graduate from college from SUNY Cobleskill with a degree in Horticulture and a Master's in Special Ed in Science from the College of New Rochelle. When a teacher at Primrose needed a Science teacher, Dave volunteered and went over two times a week to teach first-grade science. He worked locally at horticulture nurseries, then served as a prefect, and eventually became head of the Science Department at Lincoln Hall. He was a member of the Vista Fire Department as well as a member of the National Guard in Danbury during the Vietnam crisis. He married Doris Jane Burns in 1962, and they were married for 64 years. Two children followed: Patty Jo Smith-Kegler and Glen Scott Smith. Then came two grandchildren, Jordan and Kenley Kegler, who were his precious moments.
Dave was a member of the Lions Club of Somers. He was known as the “soda man” at Lions Country fairs and July Fourth town celebrations. He was on the town conservation board, Eagle Master for the Boy Scouts, and was an Eagle Scout himself. At Lincoln Hall, the boys formed a troop and, with local troops, were active for many years. Dave loved softball and often smoked a pipe while playing. He would put the lit pipe in his uniform pocket. He went on to coach the Special Ed boys in First Grade in softball. The team was part of the Dad’s Club in Somers. In 1976, he played a colonial farmer at Muscoot Farm. He also taught fifth grade CCD at Saint Joseph's for over 39 years. Dave also had his own landscaping business, “Dave Smith and Son”, where he worked with Glen for many years. Dave was a big New York Yankees fan, and rarely missed a game on television. He also enjoyed going down south to Pawleys Island to play golf with Glen. Dave and his family have been members of the Lincolndale community since 1968. Due to a fall, Dave spent all of the past four months as a resident of Waterview. A private graveside burial was held at Saint Luke’s in Somers, New York. He will be greatly missed.
