Peter Frederick Smith

OLEAN --- Peter Frederick Smith, 84, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, September 26, 2023, at his home in Olean.

He was born in West Orange, NJ, on May 20, 1939. He was the son of the late Girard and Elsie (D’Surney) Smith. Upon graduation from West Orange High School, he enlisted and proudly served in the United States Navy as a helicopter Aircrewman, performing, with bravery, search and rescue operations on the USS Independence and USS Intrepid. He later relocated to Olean in 1976, where he raised his family, a gift he held above all others in life. Peter was employed by Mazza Sheet Metal, Olean, where he remained until his retirement in 2001. Peter had a zest for life and a knack for always making others laugh. He was proud of his home state and always reminded others he was “Jersey Tough.” He was a longtime member of Bartlett Country Club and enjoyed golfing. He enjoyed socializing with friends more. You could find him sitting in the first chair at the bar with a drink, waiting to talk to whoever entered. Peter enjoyed cooking sauce and meatballs on Sundays. He welcomed many St. Bonaventure students to his table throughout the years. He was happiest when he was busy and could be heard happily whistling while completing household tasks. Peter was passionate about his blended family, traveling to visit each child and assisting with DIY projects. Peter was an avid sports fan, rooting for the St. Bonaventure Bonnies, NY Giants, Buffalo Bills, and especially the NY Yankees. One of his favorite pastimes was watching the Buffalo Bills with his wife at home, fire in the fireplace.

Peter is survived by his wife, Wendy, whom he married on June 5, 2009. He is survived by his children, Patricia (James) Todaro of Crystal Lake, IL, Colleen White of Columbus, OH, Kathleen Smith (Brad Reynolds) of Olean, NY and Peter (Leslie) Smith of Elmhurst, IL; two stepchildren, Hollie (Kelly Sabo) Speroni and Peter Jay Speroni, both of Buffalo, NY; and six grandchildren, Morgan, Abigail, Benjamin, Drake, Elinor and John; a sister, Nancy (John) Greco and brother, Stephen (Kathleen) Smith.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife of 35 years and mother of his children, Anne (Lopez) Smith, who passed away on January 24, 2001. He was preceded in death by one sister, Patricia Bross; two brothers, Girard, Jr., and Raymond; two sisters-in-law, Judy Krantz and Lorraine Smith; two brothers-in-law, Fred Bross, and Ross Peters; and beloved brother-in-law and sister-in-law, John and Rosemary Holly, who remained close after Anne’s passing.

The family will be present to receive friends on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Guenther Funeral Home, E. State Street, Olean. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St. John’s Church. Burial will be in St. Bonaventure Cemetery, Allegany with full military honor’s accorded by the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post. 

Flowers are gratefully declined. Peter wished that donations be made in his name to the Cattaraugus Community Foundation Ross A. Peters Memorial Fund.