Gerald Robert Smith

Gerald R Smith Jr (Smitty, Jr) 63 of Apalachin, NY, passed peacefully on March 9, 2026. Survived by his sons, Dylan of Apalachin, Logan of Denver, CO; Janice Smith, mother to his sons and lifelong partner; Father Gerald Smith SR of Apalachin; Mother Marie Smith of Johnson City; sister Sharon (Tom) Pruden, of Florida; brother Michael (Maggie) of Okinawa; Peter Behlog, mentor, best man and friend. His best friends for 40 years, the “A Team” Billy (Karen) Marshall and Ivan Pewterbaugh. Jerry was a devoted father who always made sure his sons pursued their interest in sports. With Dylan, that meant getting him to Karate classes, MMA training and Tournaments for over 25 yrs, leading to Dylan co-owning and operating Apex Combat Sports gym.

When Logan pursued playing baseball starting in 2006, Jerry was ecstatic. Jerry was Vice President of AYAA, and coached many baseball teams over the course of 15 years in Apalachin. He took pride in personally keeping the fields maintained so all the kids had a safe space to play. It was a no-judgment zone. He even has a field dedicated to him for all his commitment at Muth Park Apalachin. Jerry was also proud that Logan loved to travel and had found his place in Denver. He enjoyed their banter of their favorite teams, the Yankees and the Dolphins.

Jerry was an employee at Behlog Produce for over 40 years. He had the best mentors who believed in him and weren’t afraid to set him straight, Sam Behlog, Peter Behlog, Angelo Quaranta, and Mrs. B even stepped in now and then. Those who knew Jerry well know how stubborn he was. His favorite statement, "It is what it is” or “I will do it on my own!” After all, he was always right, just ask him.

During Jerry's career, he met many vendors and customers. PUZO- Mr. P, whom he always spoke fondly of, often calling him in Florida to chit-chat. Many kids will never forget the rides in the Veggie Van, along with his best fur baby -Simba. And as we all know, Jerry drove like he owned the road, just ask the insurance companies.

Jerry was a Windsor Black Knight graduating class of 1981. He was starting QB 79-80, where the varsity record was 17-2, along with 2 Sus-West championships.

Jerry spent many years on weekends heading to the Marshall Cabin, which he helped build. It was his happy place where he liked to shoot darts, gamble with the guys, and feed the deer.

To honor one of his wishes, we will scatter some ashes by the pond for his final farewell. In keeping with Jerry's wishes, there will be no formal service. A celebration of life will be held at a later date.

.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Gerald Robert Smith, please visit our floral store.