Obituary of Charles H. Smith Sr.

Charles “Charlie” Harold Smith Sr., of Port Jervis, New York, passed away on March 14^th, 2024, while out on his nightly joyride with his music and his Harley through the Hawks Nest.  He was 61.

Charlie was born in Englewood, New Jersey, to Robert and Dorothy Smith, on February 1^st, 1963.  Charlie graduated from Port Jervis High School and spent many years gathering various certifications as a New York State licensed automotive mechanic and inspector.  He devoted his life to his family, raising strong, happy, and caring  children with his loving wife and their pets in Port Jervis and later the Town of Greenville.  He was also the local go-to mechanic for many people in the area who valued not only swift work and great prices, but honesty and transparency in the work being done and a guarantee that it was done with passion motivating every decision.

Charlie is survived by his three children: Dorothy Helmken and her wife Katie, of Hopatcong, New Jersey; Charles “Buddy” Smith Junior, his wife Allison, and their son Max, of Gilbert, Arizona; and Jessica Smith and her fiancé Mark Knapp of Olmsted Township, Ohio.  He is also survived by his younger brother, James “Jimmy” Smith, and wife Wendy, along with his niece Jamie, and her children Kaelyn and Aidan.  There are also many, many cousins, nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews whom he spoke often of and loved dearly.  He is preceded in death by his wife Pearl Smith, his brother Robert “Bobby” Smith, his father Robert Smith, and his mother, Dorothy Lasher Smith.

A come-as-you-are celebration of life will be held Sunday, August 11^th, 2024.  The location and time will be released at a later date; please email Dorothy at dsmith8863@hotmail.com to be updated when final plans are made.  All are welcome to attend as we celebrate Charlie’s life as he would like to be remembered—relaxed, happy, and "free as a bird, now."

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