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.
Dear Cindy and family:
May the Lord bring you comfort in your grief, holding you close. So thankful to have met you and Dave. Such a gentle man. Thankful that we will be together forever in eternity – looking forward to that glorious resurrection day! Until then…see ya later, Dave. LOVE this phot of him! It’s perfect!
Dear Cindy and family,
Our thoughts and love surround you . Pray the Lord will guide you and encourage your heart through this time. We’re so glad to know you and Dave through Webster Christian School.. He will always be remembered.
Dave will always be Mr. Smith to me! I vividly remember reciting Bible verses to him in Awana and how encouraging he was as a leader to adults and kids alike. He exemplified what it is to put God first in life. I’ll miss him. You and your family are in my prayers!
Dear Cindy
As you know Dave was my deacon. I was assigned to him when I joined Webster Bible. He was the kindest caring deacon . He knew I was alone and would call to see if all was well and did I need help. He would send someone if I did . He asked if I had any prayer requests . He helped me with a friend in a Nursing home . He was the Donut man for Convergence on Sundays He was one of the first people to welcome me and talk with me when I first visited church. He is the best example of a loving servant of Christ , even after he became ill . What a joy to have known him. I am praying for all your family to be upheld in the days ahead
Love Sandy
Dear Cindy and Family
Thank you so much for your years as youth director at
Castle Creek. My kids loved you so much. We are praying for you during these days of grief. I’m looking forward to seeing you at the memorial service, weather permitting, as we are in Syracuse area.
Dear Cindy,
I will always remember the wonderful times we had at Castle Creek. The softball games, the 200th anniversary of our nation and other times. He was always there when something had to be done. What a reunion it will be when we get there with him. May God continue to comfort you
Dear Cindy,
My heart is broken for your loss. But consoled by the knowledge that you WILL be together again. I remember how you both were so nice to me when I was a crazy teen. But I loved you both very much and have thought often about you.
I pray for strength, comfort and peace for you and your entire family.
Dear Cindy and family,
May God grant you all peace and grace during this time. We haven’t seen you folks for a long time, but have fond memories of our time at Houghton. Not only was Dave a great athlete, but he was an outstanding teammate and leader. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
We are praying for you, aunt Cindy. We will miss him here but only for a little while.
Dear Smith family I am so sorry to hear this news. Praying that the holidays can be a time of happy memories.,