Bruce Richard Smith, age 67, of Binghamton, New York passed away at his home on July 5, 2024 after a brief, but aggressive battle with cancer. He was predeceased by his father, Richard Jay Smith and mother, Mary Jane Smith (Johnston), as well as by his brother Gary C. Smith, who unexpectedly passed away just five months prior. Bruce is survived by his nieces Casey A.Slocum (David B) and Rachell M. Smith (Floyd B); grandnephew, Dakota James Richard Sager (Cassandra G); grandniece, Abigail Jane Benning; great-grandnephew, Sylas Anthony Sager; his girlfriend and primary caretaker over the last six months, Carolyn J. Scott, as well as other family and friends.
Bruce graduated from Chenango Valley Central Schools and went on to aviation maintenance school in Denver, CO. He graduated from the program and worked for Continental Airlines. He then became an airplane mechanic for Boeing, based in Everett, WA, and eventually moved closer to home when he shifted to Sikorsky Aircraft in Big Flats, NY. He was mechanically inclined and extremely meticulous, which made him the perfect fit for his profession.
He spent childhood summers with his family at Bennett Lake in Ontario, Canada which led to his love of the outdoors. He got his first dirt bike from his dad, a 60cc purchased from Sears that he shared with his brother. Riding was a big part of his childhood and that love carried throughout his entire life. He owned and rode many motocross bikes, as well as enjoyed being a spectator of the sport. He took his Dakota to Unadilla every year since he was 8 years old, as well as taught him how to ride. Bruce even purchased a Honda CRF 50cc for Abigail when she was 2 and half years old. In the last chapter of his life, he doted on his grand niece and nephew and made them a significant part of his life.
While he enjoyed riding, he also loved camping and enjoyed doing that in his teardrop camper that he kept immaculately clean. And, in the last several years of his life, he enjoyed spending time being outdoors, exploring new places and spending time with family and friends.
Bruce was disciplined, hardworking and had an extremely keen intellect. Whatever he did, he was all in.
Bruce was strong willed and stubborn at times, but he also had a sensitive soul and wonderfully dry sense of humor. He was clever and opinionated and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. He was deeply loved and will be forever missed.
Family and friends are invited to calling hours Wednesday, July 17 from 1:30pm - 3:30pm at the Wm. R. Chase & Son Funeral Home, 737 Chenango St., Port Dickinson, NY
COMPARTA UN OBITUARIO
v.1.11.2