Donald Lafayette Smith Jr., 66, of Caroga Lake, New York, passed away peacefully on November 10, 2024 at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. Don was born on July 13, 1958 in Marks, Mississippi to the late Donald Sr. and Dolly (Wilson) Smith.

In 1975, Donald graduated from Oak Haven High School in Memphis, Tennessee. After high school Don served in the United States Army. In 1982 he moved with his family to Fulton County, where he worked for many years at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church as the Building Maintenance and Cemetery Director. He then went on to work for Fulton County in 2002, where he started out as a Maintenance Mechanic and worked his way up to become the Water Maintenance Supervisor after earning his Water System Operator certificate from New York State. He also contracted to Montgomery County to assist with their water system operations in Fultonville and the Town of Glen.

Don was an avid outdoorsman throughout his life. He always enjoyed hunting, fishing, kayaking, and spending time at his camp in Pine Lake. He also enjoyed listening to Elvis, spending time with his grandchildren, and watching Alaskan Frontier with his step-daughter Morgan before bed each night.

Don leaves behind his loving family, including his wife (separated) Lori Smith; his children, Tennille (Jeannie) Burman, Jeremy Chrisman (Cindy Burdick), Rebecca Chrisman (David Zepperi), and Donna Mullins (Carlos Valdes); his long-time companion, Robin Lee LaPort; his step-children, Caleb and Morgan Holt; his grandchildren, Colton, Emily, Daniel, Alexander, Andres, Isaiah, Zachery, Izabela, Brianna, Quinton, Dakota, Kaylee, Jordan, and Autumn; his five great-grandchildren; his siblings, Ronald (Chee Chee) Smith and Connie Martin; as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Relatives and friends are invited, and may call on Saturday, November 16, 2024 from 1:00PM until 3:00PM at the Betz, Rossi, Bellinger & Stewart Family Funeral Homes, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, New York, 12078. Interment will be held at a later date in Our Lady of Mount Carmel Cemetery, Johnstown, New York. Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, Kansas 66675, or to Jackson's Legacy, P.O. Box 1077, Broadalbin, NY 12025.