Avon/Caledonia: Bill passed peacefully at home, surrounded by his family, on June 11, 2018 at age 74. Predeceased by his parents William and Margaret (Gates) Smith, his sisters; Joan (Donald) Grossman and Kathleen (Dean) Bertch, and nephew Douglas Grossman. Survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Frances Zornow Smith and children; Theodore (Marc Ellis Holland) Smith, Emily (Shawn) Van Dusen, Catherine Smith, and Margaret (David) Putman; grandchildren, Matthew Putman, Evelyn and Elinor Van Dusen. Also survived by brothers and sisters-in-law and many nieces & nephews.
After graduating from Gettysburg College (BA History) and SUNY Geneseo (Masters in Education), Bill enlisted in the US Navy, serving four years during the Vietnam War and receiving an honorable discharge. He married Frances E. Zornow on July 12, 1969. Bill taught for 32 years at Mount Morris Central School, where he retired from. He enjoyed gardening, travel (spending trips with Fran rambling around Ireland and the British Isles), and vacationing with his family. Bill was also an avid reader and bird watcher, always putting out multiple feeders which brought the yard to life. He greatly treasured the time he spent with his grandchildren as the family grew.
Family and friends may call on Thursday, June 14th, from 4-7pm at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home Inc., 21 Big Tree Street, Rte 15 & 20A, Livonia, NY where his funeral services will be held on Saturday, June 16th, at 2pm. Burial will follow at Mt. Pleasant Cemetery, Fowlerville, NY. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made in Bill’s Memory to Avon Free Library, 143 Genesee Street, Avon, NY 14414, York Animal Hospital – Stray Animal Fund, 2275 Main Street, York, NY 14592 or The William A. and Frances Z. Smith Scholarship Fund, The Rochester Gay Men’s Chorus, 121 N. Fitzhugh Street, Rochester, NY 14614. To send a condolence or share a memory please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com
Fran, so sorry to hear of Bills passing. When we all worked at Mt. Morris School we were a family. I loved reading your adventures on face book. You and your family have many good memories. Prayers to all of you.
To the Smith Family,
On behave of the Emerson Johnston Family from Geneseo
we are very sorry for your loss. We have known Bill and
his family for many years and know that he will be deeply
missed. Again we are very sorry and our prayers and
thoughts are with all of you at this time.
He was a wonderful man and teacher, and he will be missed by so many people. I knew him and Fran when I worked at Mt. Morris School in the cafeteria. My condolences go out to the entire family.
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was a dedicated teacher and friend to many colleagues and students at MMCS
My sympathy to the Smith Family. I was saddened to hear of Bill’s passing. Bill, Fran and family invited me into their home for many a game night and dinner. May your memories help you through this difficult time.
I was so saddened to hear the passing of Mr.Smith. He was my 6th grade teacher(1973) and has been remembered all these years. My thoughts and prayers are with you?
Mr. Smith was my home room teacher as well as my 6 grade teacher he was a great teacher . Sorry for your loss.?
Dear Fran and family,
I am so sorry to hear about my cousin, Billy. I remember the family reunion we had at your home about ten years ago. The whole Smith family was there. Take care of yourself and God will ease the pain.
Love, Marsha
Fran and Family,
I’m sending much sympathy and prayers. Bill always had a smile and enjoyed life immensely. He will be missed.
Mary Ann Scharmberg
Your 4-H friend
Thoughts and Prayers to The Smith Family he was a good teacher .
Condolences to family and friends.. Mr. Smith was my sixth grade teacher many years ago. Many memories.
Dear Smith Family,
The world is connected in many weird ways. I am so sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. I worked at Mt Morris school for many years doing the Migrant program. I was in and out of both Bill and Fran’s rooms. They were some of my most enjoyable memories of that time. Now I am working with Ted at BOCES.
Sending my prayers and warm thoughts to all of you.
Dear Smith Family,
I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your Dad. I have so many fond memories of him from our time in 4-H. We will keep you in our thoughts and prayers.
Katie (Eddy) Serio
Our family is saddened by this news. I was a parent volunteer in Bill’s class many years ago. He was a great teacher, a kind man and respected by all. Deepest sympathies to the family.
The Bob Stevens family
Mt. Morris
I am deeply saddened by the news of Bill’s death as I remember our many years at Mt. Morris Central and the times that Bill was kind enough to take me home when the snow-covered roads were not good. My thoughts and prayers are with Frances and his family.
Dear Smith Family,
Mr. Smith was an amazing teacher and I was lucky to have had him. I am so sad to hear of his passing. He truly was one of a kind and he impacted all of those around him. I am so sorry to hear of this news and pray that you find comfort during this sad time. He will truly be missed by all.
My Deepest Sympathy,
Ashley (Koerner) Stowell
So sorry to hear of Bill’s passing. He was instrumental in me becoming the teacher I am. Prayers lifted up to help the family find peace through the sadness.
Dear Smith Family. So sad to hear this news of Bill’s passing. He was a good person.
Sending our deepest sympathy.
Bob and Sandi DeBruycker