David L. Smith

David L. Smith, 72, of Rochester, NY — beloved husband, father, grandpa, brother, uncle, and friend — went home to be with his Lord and Savior on Monday, November 18, 2024. He was born November 25, 1951 in Binghamton, NY.

Dave graduated from Houghton College in 1973 with a Bachelor of Science degree. He was inducted into the Houghton College Hall of Honor in 2009 for his outstanding athletic achievement in baseball and basketball during his college career. Dave worked at IBM Corporation for 39 years holding various management positions in operations, information technology, logistics and manufacturing. This role took the family to multiple cities throughout the country including Endicott, NY, Rochester, MN, Longmont, CO, and then to Rochester, NY in 1997. After his retirement, he accepted a position at Houghton College as their Vice President of Planning and Finance and served in that role for 3 years. He was also a member of the Houghton Athletic Advisory Board. Dave served on the Rochester Ridgemen baseball team’s board of directors, as well as hosting players. He was a devoted member of Webster Bible Church and served as a deacon, children’s ministry volunteer, and greeter for many years, enthusiastically welcoming all those who entered its doors. Dave was beloved by all who knew him, and he will be remembered well for his faith, his big laugh, his warm handshake, and his tremendously generous heart.

Dave was predeceased by his parents, Roscoe & Abbie Smith; in-laws, Norman & Marion Dunham; sisters Fran Wiggins (Bob Wiggins) and Kristina Smith.  He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Cindy (Dunham); daughters, Melissa Luckey (Robert) and Aimee DeHaven (Shane); sons, Jordan Smith (Tessa) and Tyler Smith. He leaves behind seven most precious grandchildren: Parker, Jaden, Camden, Titus, Lyric, Hayden and Avery. Dave is also survived by his brothers, Roscoe Smith, Jr. (Rose) and Mark Smith (Nancy); sister, Virginia Miller; brother-in-law, Doug Dunham (Patty); and several nieces and nephews. 

A Celebration of Life will be held at Webster Bible Church on Saturday, December 28th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Dave can be made to the Houghton University Student Scholarship Fund (One Willard Avenue, PO Box 128, Houghton, NY 14744) or to the Come & See Foundation (6385 Corporate Drive, Suite 200, Colorado Springs, CO 80919). Online donations can be made at https://community.houghton.edu/makeagift or https://www.comeandseefoundation.org/donate.