Roger E. Smith

Born in Hackettstown, New Jersey, he was the son of Randolph and Virginia Smith. At the age of 7, Roger and his family moved to the Paul Smiths area.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, Randolph and Virginia (Joostema) Smith; his sister Kim McCartney, and his brother-in-law, John Crary. He is survived by his wife, Shelley (Claremont) Smith of Gabriels; his two daughters, Brittany (Smith) Fobare and her husband Justin of Rainbow Lake, and Brooke Smith of Troy; and his two granddaughters, Virginia and Peyton Fobare. He is also survived by his siblings, Sharon Crary, Randy (Lynn) Smith, Tom McCartney, Jeff (Diana) Smith, Steven (Traci) Smith, Paul (Karen) Smith, and an army of wonderful nieces and nephews.

Roger married the love of his life, Shelley Claremont, on Aug. 4, 1984. They built a beautiful life together full of fun, adventures, vacations, love and eventually their two daughters and beautiful granddaughters, who he absolutely adored. They were his whole world. Roger was a self-employed contractor his whole life. He also owned and operated Smith’s Building Supply, which later transitioned to the Brighton Mini Mart, which was a favorite local stop for many in Gabriels.

Roger was a dedicated firefighter, serving for over 35 years in Paul Smiths-Gabriels Volunteer Fire Department (PSGVFD). He held the longest-running position as chief of PSGVFD for 14 years. He put his heart and soul into the fire department. Even at the end when he could no longer be an active firefighter, he was an active social member. Those who knew Roger knew he loved the Mets, spending time with his friends and family, and he could always be counted on to be the life of the party, and usually the singer of the band.

Relatives and friends are invited to call on Thursday, Aug. 5, 2021 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Fortune- Keough Funeral Home, Saranac Lake, followed by a Fireman’s Prayer Service. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place at 11 a.m. on Friday, Aug. 6, 2021 at the Church of Assumption in Gabriels, with Rev. Martin Cline officiating. Burial will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Gabriels. Friends and family are invited to a reception to celebrate Roger’s life after the burial at the Paul Smiths-Gabriels firehouse. Donations in Roger’s memory can be made to PSGVFD. Family and friends can also share their condolences at fortunekeoughfuneralhome.com.