Edgar Alan Smith passed away on Friday, Oct. 30, 2020, in Syracuse. He was with his family until his final moments. Edgar is survived by his loving wife of 45 years, Linda Munro Smith, and his children, Steven and Laurie, Peter and Mary, David and Carrie and Kimberly and Forrest, as well as eight amazing grandchildren, Sarah, Bridget, Alison, Molly, Greta, Isla, Munro and Ellie. Edgar was born in Syracuse on June 26, 1934, to Leonore and Nellis Smith. He grew up in the Valley with his two older brothers, Robert and Fred.
Edgar and Linda proudly called Skaneateles their home for 21 years before retiring to Sunset Beach, N.C., in 1998. There he made many new friends, worked tirelessly for the Brunswick County Family Assistance Food Pantry, and played as much golf as he could. After a number of great years in the South, they returned to Syracuse to be closer to family in the fall of 2019.
After graduation from Syracuse University with a degree in Metallurgy, Edgar worked for many years at Allied Chemical before launching his own business, The Edgar A. Smith Company. He was ahead of his time in many ways, none more evident than his work with Neighbors Inc. in Syracuse in the 1970s. He formed the organization with the goal of providing safe and affordable homes to the disadvantaged of Syracuse. Edgar was highly involved with the Rotary Club of Skaneateles, Zoning Board of Appeals, he was the President of the Skaneateles Country Club, and later chaired the building committee to oversee the reconstruction of the club in 1991.
Edgar was successful at so many things in his life and that was largely because of his uncanny ability of connecting with everyone he met. He was curious about what made people tick, and whether you were the waitress at his favorite diner or the president of one of the companies he worked with, he loved nothing more than to hear your stories.
Edgar’s favorite place in the world was the family cottage on Skaneateles Lake. There he took meticulous care of the cottage, sailed, swam, napped and loved life. Any time you asked him how he was, he would reply, “If I were any better, I’d be nervous.” Edgar was vibrant and full of life; golfing, crossing items off his to-do list and enjoying every moment until his final days.
More than anything, Edgar was proud of his children and their respective spouses. Each doing their own thing, finding meaningful work and raising spirited children. Edgar didn’t let too many conversations go by where he didn’t find an opening to talk about one of his kids, their significant others, or his grandkids. He was loved by so many and will be missed by his family and friends.
Anyone wishing to honor Edgar’s life may and are encouraged to make a contribution to the Food Bank of Central New York. The family is planning a celebration of life next Summer in Skaneateles.
To send condolences, visit robertdgrayfuneralhome.com.
