Leonard W. Smith

Leonard W. (Bill) Smith, 74, a lifelong resident of Norwich and most recently of Earlville well known Norwich Attorney passed away on Monday, December 11, 2023, at the Arnot – Ogden Medical Center of Elmira.

Bill was born on July 11, 1949 in Oswego, NY the son of James H. and Rosemary (Shortslef) Smith Sr. He attended St. Paul’s Catholic School and was a 1967 graduate of the Norwich High School. Bill was elected captain of the football, basketball and baseball teams in his senior year. Upon his graduation from NHS he was offered a full scholarship from SU, which he accepted, and played there until his graduation in 1971. His first job out of college was a car salesman at Smith-Ford of Norwich until he accepted a position as budget supervisor for the ethical medical division of Norwich Pharmaceutical which was then owned by Morton Salt. Bill then applied and was accepted to Syracuse University Law School and graduated with the Class of 1976, after two years other than the normal three years, worked with a Syracuse Law Firm. He worked for a short tile with a firm in Cazenovia he became a partner in the law firm of Stratton, Sullivan, Monaco & Smith. Upon Judge Sullivan becoming Judge in 2000 he practiced on his own as well as a partner with Frank Revoir until Frank’s election as County Judge. On November 1, 1985, Bill was appointed by Jim Haynes as Assistant County Attorney which he continued in that capacity until December 30, 2014. During that time neither his answers nor promptness in providing the same were ever questioned.

Bill’s practice over the years has been focused on Real Estate matters. Very few, if any, attorneys have had more dealings with not only Chenango Clerk’s offices in the surrounding counties. Bill has been a member of the Bar and licensed to practice law for over 40 years and remains a member in good standing.

Bill’s civic involvements over the years include serving over 10 years as President of the Norwich Little League in which over 400 boys and girls participated in each season. He was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Chenango County Chamber of Commerce and had served on several municipal committees including the Civil Service Commission.

Bill possessed a strong Catholic Faith and was a lifelong member of St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church as well as a communicant of St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church.

In short Bill’s life was for the betterment of Norwich and surrounding Chenango County communities.

Bill is survived by his daughter Kelly Smith of Norwich, his grandson Cole Smith also of Norwich, his steadfast and longtime companion Bonalyn Cossitt of Earlville, step-children Lance Kenyon, Lisa Rae Kenyon, step grandchildren Ella Kenyon, Camille Kenyon and Natalie Kenyon, siblings Terry Jo (Dick) Hawley of Alabama and James Smith Jr., and companion Debbie Wheeler of Norwich along with several nieces, nephews and cousins.

Bill Was predeceased by his parents James and Rosemary, sister Michelle Bessett and brother Mike Smith

A Memorial Mass for Bill will be held on Saturday, January 6, 2024 at 11:00 am from St. Bartholomew’s Roman Catholic Church. The Rev. Ralph A. Bove, Pastor will officiate. Friends may call St. Bartholomew’s Church of Saturday, January 6, from 10:00 am until the time of Mas at 11:00 am

Please consider contributions to St Bart’s Soup Kitchen with checks made payable to St. Bartholoew’s Catholic Church, 30 Pleasant St., Norwich, NY 13815 with a notation to the soup kitchen in memory of Bill Smith.

A reception in Bill’s memory will be held immediately following the Mass at VFW Post 2782.

Arrangments are with the R.J.Fahy Funeral Home.