Michael E. Smedes

Michael E. Smedes, 64, of Kingston, died Saturday, March 3, 2012 at Ferncliff Nursing Home, surrounded by his loving family and friends, after a courageous battle against cancer.

Mike was a graduate of KHS, class of 1966 and had attended UCCC, he was a veteran of the US Air Force having served during the Viet Nam War from 1967 - 1970. He had worked for IBM in Poughkeepsie, the City of Kingston and then NYS Department of Corrections until his retirement. In his younger days he moonlighted as a bartender at Handlebar and Cheers.

Mike played varsity football and baseball at KHS and played on the American Legion Post # 150 Baseball team. For many years he played softball, playing with the traveling team Mastro's Construction and local city league teams Madden's Pub, Cheers and Riccardi's. He also played in the city touch football league for Maddens's Pub, Triangle and Anaconda Sports.

He was a member of Kingston American Legion Post # 150, was an active volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club, had been a member of Kingston Kiwanis and enjoyed acting in the Kapers, and coached at the Kingston American Little League and Babe Ruth League.

Mike loved to spend time with his children and grandchildren, cook, travel, and go to the beach. It was said when you met Mike, you liked him, when you got to know him, you loved him.

He was born August 24, 1947 in Kingston, the son of the late Vincent J. and Diletta A. Smedes and was the beloved husband of Jane Wilber Smedes, they wed on June 15, 1991.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his loving family, his children Amanda J Smedes, Samantha Forlani and her husband Willis, Stephanie Allred and her husband Brad and Gary R. Short and his wife Danielle, his brother; Vincent G. Smedes and his wife Judy, father in law, Clarence Wilber; brother and sister in law William and Teresa Wilber, grandchildren, Amalia, Nathan, Andrew, Michael, Joshua, Dylan, Kendyl and Cameron, dear cousin John Longendyke, he is also survived by several nieces, nephews and many cousins.

Entrusted to the care of Eric Keyser, Keyser Funeral & Cremation Service, 326 Albany Avenue, Kingston. The family will receive their friends on Wednesday from 3 - 7 pm. The service will be at Keyser's on Thursday at 11:30 am. Father Frank Damis, officiating.

Burial in St. Mary's Cemetery with military honors provided by Joyce Schirick Post # 1386 VFW.

The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Boys & Girls Club of Kingston, 139 Greenkill Avenue, Kingston, NY 12401 or American Cancer Society, 121 Executive Drive, New Windsor, 12553