Ralph W. Smith

Born in Buffalo, NY Oct. 22, 1943, the son of Ralph V. and Grace M. (Warren) Smith.

A U.S. Navy Veteran Ralph served his country from 1963-1969. While serving during the Vietnam War, Ralph served aboard the USS Oklahoma City, receiving the Armed Forces Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the National Defense Service Medal along with various citations for his honorable service.

Ralph married the former Anne E Aranyosi in Buffalo on Jan. 20, 1968.

Ralph retired from the former American Axle of Buffalo, prior employment includes GM of Buffalo and Bell Aero Systems of Buffalo.

Ralph was very active civically, especially with the many Veterans organizations he served with which include The Coast Guard Auxillary of Buffalo. Ralph was also the Past Commander of the Sheridan VFW, Cherry Creek VFW, the Randolph American Legion, with the most recent being the Past Commander of the Samuel J. Camino VFW Post #6472 in Silver Creek where he also served on the club’s Board of Directors. Ralph was also involved with Veterans Affairs at a District level and the AMVETS of Silver Creek. Ralph’s civic involvement went beyond veterans organizations as he was a member of the Gowanda Moose Lodge 1382, the Slovenian Club of Gowanda and was a Free and Accepted Mason with the Cherry Creek Masonic Lodge, the Jamestown Consistory and the Ismalia Shrine Club

Survivors include his wife of nearly 57 years Anne E. (Aranyosi) Smith; a daughter Carrie (Terry Sample) Myers; grandchildren Nicole and Nathan Myers; a Sister Linda (Lewis) Williams; Nieces Lori (James) Loftus, Lindsay (Michael) Cannon, Great niece and nephews Ashton and Avery Loftus, and Emerson Cannon.

Besides his parents, Ralph was preceded in death by a sister and brother in-law Joyce and Fred Bridon.

Friends may call Thursday from 4-7 pm at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME 44 Center St., Gowanda where funeral services with full military honors will be held Friday, Feb. 7, 2025 at 11 am. Pastor Michael Nace Officiating, burial in the Park Lawn Cemetery in Wesley.

Memorials, if desired may be made to the Shriners Hospital, 1645 West Eighth St., Erie, Pa. 16505.