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Clarence J. Smith, 89, passed away peacefully Monday, November 3, 2008, after a short stay at Wayne County Nursing Home. "CJ" was born August 7, 1919 in Geneva, NY, and lived most of his early life in Ithaca. He was the beloved husband of the late Marilyn F. Smith. Having lived in Greene, NY for many years, he and Marilyn returned to the Ithaca area following his retirement from Verizon (NYTEL/AT&T) where he worked for 32 years. He and Marilyn spent a wonderful retirement traveling the country and splitting their time between a home in Phoenix, AZ and Aurora, NY. They had been married a wonderful 61 years when she passed on in 2006.

As a member of the "Greatest Generation", "CJ" was called upon to serve his country during WWII. During the war he served with distinction as a Noncommissioned Office in the United States Army Air Corps. He participated in the Normandy, Northern France, Ardennes, Battle of the Bulge, Rhineland, Central Europe and the European Air Offensive campaigns. He was the recipient of numerous citations for merit and valor including Silver and Bronze Star service medals, the Belgian Fourragere, the Presidential Unit Citation and the World War II Victory Medal. In June 2001 the State of New York awarded him the Conspicuous Service Medal and the Medal for Merit. He was Mason, a member of the Pioneers of America and of course a proud Veteran. He was an avid golfer and spent many happy hours on the course.

He is survived by son, Richard J. Smith, wife, Susan (Buffalo Grove, IL); son, Roger J. Smith, wife, Jan (Newark, NY); daughter, Arlene Hertzog, husband, James (Otisco, NY); six grandchildren, Laura, Daniel and wife, Bethany, Jamie and husband, Eric, Aaron, Nathan and Marian; and one great-granddaughter, Sage. Also three sisters, June Smith (Livermore, CA), Clara Eaton (Burkburnett, TX), Barbara Smith (New Bern, NC).

No calling hours have been scheduled, however there will be a memorial service announced at a later date. Interment will be next to his beloved wife at Pine Grove Cemetery, Lansing, NY. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to Hospice or a charity of your choice.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Lansing Funeral Home.

Throughout his long life the sun never rose on a place of his residence wherein he did not proudly display the flag of the United States of America.
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