Obituary of Paul Stephen Smith

JUNIUS - Paul Stephen Smith, "Smitty", passed away on Tuesday (September 12, 2023) at Rochester General Hospital after a lengthy illness. He was born on September 22, 1939, to Paul and Marguerite Olp Smith in Geneva, NY. He is a 1957 graduate of Waterloo High School where he was a member of the Future Farmers of America (FFA). He married Nancy Martens on November 9, 1963 and in November they would have celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. Steve and Nancy started Smith Family Farms in 1963 with thirty dairy cows and a fertilizer truck. The farm grew to be the largest dairy farm in Seneca County in the 1980's with the help of their son, Paul. After selling the cows he and his grandson, Stephen ran a cash crop and beef cattle operation, along with lifelong employees, the Bennett and Noone families. Steve served on various agricultural committees throughout his life, including the Hector Grazing Association and Seneca County ASC. He was a lifelong member of the Junius Volunteer Fire Dept. and the Seneca County Farm Bureau. Steve and Nancy spent the last 40 years wintering in Florida, first in Ruskin, and then at their home in Twin Palms Park in Lakeland. Smitty enjoyed socializing at any auction and checking in on all the neighbors. Smitty was a larger-than-life figure amongst his family, friends, and business community. He never took no for an answer, consistently finding ways to get the most out of those he worked with and helped to mentor. He could always find a better deal, and always had a better hand of cards. He lived an exemplary life full of family and friends who could always count on him. Steve is survived by his wife of 59 years, Nancy, as well as his daughters Mary Catherine Britt (CJ) and Margaret Rossignol (Jeremy). Steve has four grandsons; C. Joseph Britt (Amanda), Stephen Britt, William Britt, and Jack Rossignol. He has two great granddaughters, Maren and Anna Britt. He is also survived several by nieces, nephews, and cousins. Steve is predeceased by his parents, his brother Stuart, and his son Paul. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations to the Junius Fire Dept, c/o Ernie Brownell 675 Dublin Rd, Clyde, NY 14433 or The FFA chapter at Lyons Central School, 10 Clyde Rd, Lyons NY c/o Mary Britt. There will be a private family burial. Family and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday (October 7) at Trom's Restaurant, 11 Pearl St., Lyons, NY.