Walter A. Smith,  husband, father, grandfather

LITTLE VALLEY — Walter A. Smith, 85, of Little Valley, passed away Monday, Nov. 24, 2025, at UPMC Chautauqua, with his family by his side, after short illness.

Born Jan. 27, 1940, in Buffalo, he was a son of Andrew and Bernice Young Smith.  In 1969, he met the former Suzanne M. Boser, and they spend the next 56 years together, making it official in 1996.

He was a graduate of St. Joseph’s High School. He then served seven years in the U.S. Air Force, during the Vietnam era.

Walt was a lifelong mechanic working at various places in the area, and finally decided it was time to retire at the age of 76.

He was a 45-year member of the Allegany American Legion Charles Harbel Post 892 and a life member of the AmVets.

In his younger years, he enjoyed camping with his family at Sherkston Shores in Canada and Stonybrook State Park.

In addition to his wife Suzanne, he is survived by his children, Walter (Carolyn) Smith Jr. of Las Vegas, Nev., Zachary (Julie) Smith of Cheektowaga, Yvonne (Lloyd) Sweet of Cuba, Yvette (Rick) Jordan of Rotonda West, Fla., Wynette (Mike) Washburn of Jamestown and Crey Smith of Cattaraugus; nine grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; five sisters, Meryl Anderson of Florida, Patricia (John) Auth and Joni Wisley, both of Georgia, Helen (James) Hewett and Evelyn (Jim) Vossler, both of Buffalo; and several nieces and nephews.

There will be no visitation or services at this time.

Arrangements are under direction of the Mark F. Rinker Funeral Home & Memorial Service, Inc., Cuba.

Online condolences may be sent at www.rinkerfuneralhome.com.