Dr. Richard L. Smith, 72, of Webster, NY and Silver Spring, MD, beloved husband, father and grandfather (Granddad), passed away suddenly on October 30, 2017. He lived a life of intellectual curiosity, scientific discovery and innovation, pursuing his passions for learning and teaching.
Richard graduated summa cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Science degree, Physics in 1967, and then went on to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology to earn his PhD in Astrophysics in 1971. Subsequently, he performed research and taught Physics at both the California Institute of Technology and the Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Richard then went on to work in industry, developing advanced technologies for NASA and other government agencies.
Richard devoted much time volunteering to support competitive swimming in Montgomery County, MD. He was the parent representative manager for a local swim team, was a certified official, served on the Board of Directors, and wrote software to support managing swim meet entries and results.
For the last twenty years, Richard enjoyed retirement in which he pursued his passions including classical piano, gardening, nature, genealogy, mathematics, woodworking, and his grandchildren.
Richard is survived by his wife of 49 years, Phyllis (Nunno), their son Steven, daughter-in-law Kirstyn and grandchildren Oliver and Henry Smith of Rochester, NY, along with his brothers Edward and Robert of Manchester, NH.
He is predeceased by his parents, Stauffer and Helen (Bruce) Smith, of Kirkville, NY. A private service will be held for family and close friends. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to McQuaid Jesuit High School, 1800 S. Clinton Ave, Rochester NY 14618.
Steve so sorry again about the passing of your father. My condolences to you and your family. What you’ve written here is such a beautiful and wonderful tribute to your father. I wish I could of met him. May he rest in peace.
I think God every day that he never found out about my affair with you. He hated people who are fat and couldn’t manage their money and treated their pets like humans. I hope you’re happy that you ruined my life.
We are so sorry for your lost and our prays are with all of you. He was a wonderful husband and father ,and grandfather.
Judy, bert kramer
Phyllis,
I am so saddened by the news. I am praying for you and your family at this difficult time. I know how hard it is to endure this loss. With love, Sue
Dear Phyllis,
Our sincere condolences on the loss of your husband. We were so saddened to hear this. We wish you and your family, especially son, daughter in law and grandchildren the strength to bear this sudden loss. You will be in our prayers.
Nell and Bill Neal
May you find peace knowing how much he loved you and how much he wanted you to have a bright future. I thought two traits identified him. He never talked down to people, but somehow knew just how to talk to people to make them think at a higher level. Second he had the ability to explain complicated things simply. My hope for his descendents is that you inherit them. May life be rewarding for you all. Sally
My dear Phyllis,
I am so sorry to hear of Rick’s sudden death. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
I will always treasure the time we all had together at your home.
Jane
Dear Phyliss and Steve and family,
We are so very sorry to hear of the sudden passing of such a wonderful man. Rick was a devoted husband and father, and a wonderful, positive force on th NWB community. Our deepest sympathies. Doug and Karen Tang, Jennifer, Christopher and Emily
Steve, I am so very sorry. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
May Richard’s LIFE continue to inspire and energize! God Bless all the Smith’s. Henry, Oliver … peace always.
– Mr. Brady
Steve and Kirstyn and Mrs. Smith – I’m so very sorry for the loss of your dad and husband, my mom shared the news with me. I remember how much your dad loved watching you swim, Steve, and the countless volunteer hours he put in at NWB. Hoping your memories and shared love help carry you through,
Kelly
Phyllis and family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you at this sad time.
Hugs, Diane
Dear Phyllis & Steven,
This was a fine tribute to Rick. I have always admired his intellectual brilliance, his creativity, and his kind and gentle manner. As a child, I looked forward with great anticipation to my annual summer week at the “farm” with my three cousins and my Aunt Helen and Uncle Smitty. Those weeks remain among the happiest memories of my life and I still brag about my genius cousin who built an analog computer for a school science fair long before computers were common in businesses or government. My greatest regret is having not been in closer contact as adults. I deeply miss my cousin now and you all have my most sincere sympathy and condolences.