Obituary of Raymond E. Smith

Raymond Smith, 80, of Westerleigh, Staten Island, passed away peacefully on July 20. He was the beloved husband for fifty-eight years of Kathleen Smith (Maroney); loving brother of Susan Mahlmann (husband Henry), father of Raymond Smith (wife Debbie) and Nancy Anderson (husband Mark). Raymond was a loving brother-in-law of the late James Maroney (Ellen), Thomas Maroney (Jan), Timothy Maroney (Susan), Dennis Maroney (Robin), Marilyn Farley (Timothy), Eileen Unrein, (Larry), William Maroney (Mary Pat). Ray enjoyed time spent with his five grandchildren, Courtney, Erik, Tyler, Emma Kate, and Connor. He is also loved by many nieces and nephews. Raymond was predeceased by his father, Raymond, and his mother, Evelyn. A lifelong Staten Islander, he grew up in West Brighton and married his high school sweetheart Kathleen Maroney in 1964. Together they raised a family in Westerleigh. Raymond served as a New York City police officer from 1963 to 1990, first with the Highway Patrol and later with the Emergency Service Unit at the 122 Precinct in New Dorp, where he responded to many of Staten Island’s most notorious emergencies in the 1970’s and 1980’s. “Smitty” earned the nickname of “Whispering Smith”, while working on ESU Truck 5, as he was a man of few words. It was his heroic actions and willingness to put his life on the line for others that spoke for themselves. At the same time, Raymond served as an armored car officer for Community National Bank and served as an EMT for St. Vincent’s Hospital ambulance service. In retirement, he worked for the US Marshall Service as a federal court officer. Raymond enjoyed numerous hobbies, including a passion for model Lionel Trains and Hess Trucks, which provided many happy hours of tinkering. Weekends were often spent traveling to train shows where he enthusiastically added new pieces to his large collection. He was an avid Ham Radio operator who enjoyed the lifelong learning this communication provides and appreciated its importance for both public service announcements and emergency communication. Raymond loved to take his family camping, and the Smiths spent many happy summer vacations traveling throughout the northeast, first in a pop-up trailer, and later in a 20 foot Prowler trailer. Later on, Raymond and his wife Kathy enjoyed several cruises, and many trips to the “Stroudsmoor Inn” and to their beloved “Amish Country” in Pennsylvania. The family would like to thank the staff at Sunrise of Staten Island for the wonderful loving care they provided in our father’s final weeks. Visitation for family and friends will take place at Matthew Funeral Home, Inc., 2508 Victory Boulevard, on Saturday July 23, from 2pm to 6pm. Private cremation will follow. Donations may be made in Raymond’s name to The Parkinson’s Foundation.