February 7, 1943- February 7, 2026
Robert Charles Smith, Husband, Father, and Grandfather
Portville- Robert Charles (“Bob”) Smith, of Deer Creek Rd, Portville, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 7, 2026, his 83rd birthday, at Olean General Hospital shortly after arrival.
Robert was born in Vergennes, VT, on February 7, 1943, the son of the late Allen Hayes Smith and Ruth Lillian (Stanhope) Smith. On March 25, 1972, in Vergennes, VT, he married the former Mary Elizabeth (“Libby”) Generous, who survives.
A 1961 graduate of Vergennes High School, he attended Champlain College, then joined the United States Navy, serving honorably. Robert worked for the G.S. Blodgett Corporation in Burlington, VT. In his 40+ year tenure with them, he held several patents and worked in a variety of capacities before retiring in 1999. He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman, a member of the NRA, a former member of the Vergennes Area Rescue Squad, the Vermont Snowmobile Association, and the Vermont Walleye Association. He was an active member of St. Peter’s Church and the American Legion Post #14, both in Vergennes, VT. After moving to the Portville Area, he became a member of the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels, the American Legion Post #814, and the Portville Conservation Club.
Robert is survived by his loving wife, Mary; his children, Jeffrey E. (Sandra) Smith, Susan A. (Edward) Allen, Justin H. (Jean) Smith, and Jessica E. (Vincent) Pascale; fifteen grandchildren, four great-grandchildren; a sister, Mary E. Drexler, a niece, and three nephews.
He was predeceased by his parents, Allen and Ruth; a brother, Wayne E. Smith; a nephew, Clark Smith, and several brothers-in-law.
The family will greet friends and family at the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels in Olean on Saturday, February 14, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. before the Funeral Mass at 10:30 a.m. with a luncheon to follow. Burial will take place in the spring at Chestnut Hill Cemetery at a date and time to be determined.
In lieu of flowers, memorials, if desired, may be made to the Basilica of St. Mary of the Angels Youth Ministry, 202 S. Union St., Olean, NY 14760, or to the Portville Fire Dept. PO Box 781, Portville, NY 14770
Funeral arrangements are under the direction of the Guenther Funeral Home, Inc., 1303 E. State St., Olean.
Online condolences can be expressed at www.guentherfh.com
