Michael Robert Smith, Jr.

Michael Robert Smith, Jr., 40, passed away on Saturday, October 12, 2019 of a heart attack.

Michael was born May 24, 1979 to Michael and Susan Smith of Kerhonkson. As a child Michael developed an extreme love for sports. Baseball was his favorite. Not only did he appreciate the physical aspects of the game but also the intellectual aspects. Once he had finished playing Little League and Babe Ruth level programs he decided to spread his knowledge of the game as a coach. Perhaps his greatest accolade as a coach was in 1999 becoming the youngest manager (at that time) to win a NY State Babe Ruth title. That state title would also be the first for Rondout Valley Babe Ruth League. Michael had also given back to his community by being a volunteer coach for the Rochester Youth Commission Basketball Program for several years.

Besides sports some of Michael's favorite things to do were to spend time with his family, play with his dogs, and make fun memories with his friends. However his greatest passion in his adult life was to cook. It was his dream to one day open his own restaurant but unfortunately this is a dream that was never attained.

In early 2018 Michael had moved from his home in New York to Southwest Colorado where he planned to start a new chapter in his life. He enjoyed the mountainous views from the golf course, Tuesday night trivia, and the opportunity to meet new people and experience different culture. Sadly this is where his story had ended. Michael’s memory will live on through all of the people that he has influenced in his short life.

Michael will be remembered as a son, a brother, an uncle, a grandson, a nephew, a boyfriend, and a devoted friend to many.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help defray expenses. Any funds donated for Michael will be used to cover the cost of his cremation, travel expenses to return him home to Kerhonkson, and payment for a memorial service and burial. Please visit https://www.gofundme.com/f/rip-michael-robert-smith-jr

The memorial visitation will be held on Monday, October 28th from 5 PM to 8 PM at Humiston Funeral Home, 30 42nd Street, Kerhonkson, NY. 

Michael’s family would like to thank you in advance for your graciousness and would like to inform you that if your donations exceed the expenses they are donating the remainder of the money to the following local programs that Michael was involved in throughout his life: Indian Valley Little League, Rondout Valley Babe Ruth League and the Youth Commission Basketball League.

If you would like to donate by other means (cash or check) please contact Michael's mother Sue Smith on Facebook as she is the one managing the expenses.