Eric Jon Smith

It is with great sadness we share that Eric Jon Smith, at the age of 53, of New Hartford, lost his courageous fight with GBM on October 5, 2023 in his home, surrounded by the love and the support of family and close friends.

Born in New Hartford on November 24, 1969, he was the son of Wesley Smith and Sharon Aronson. He attended New Hartford Schools and graduated from Northfield Mount Herman in 1988.  He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1992, where he met the love of his life, Rachel Weinstein.  They continued onto graduate school together at Syracuse University where he got his MBA. Rachel and Eric married in Wilmington, Delaware on January 4, 1997. Together they had two wonderful daughters, Lindsey and Jordan, and Eric’s family became his greatest joy.

Eric was the 4th generation to own and operate Smith Packing Company and in his care the business thrived. He was loved by staff and clients alike, and his passion for excellence was inspiring.  He took pride in creating a work atmosphere that was characterized by mutual respect and gratitude. On his watch, he brought new innovations to a 111-year-old family business, expanding into new directions on a variety of levels.

Many organizations benefitted from his civic commitment.  Like his father before him he was President of the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley and served on the board of RCIL (Resource Center for Independent Living).  He was an active participant and board member of a number of organizations including: The Community Foundation, the Beef Industry Council of NYS, and the Purchasing Advisory Council for Golbon. Many other local causes were strengthened by his patronage and generosity.

Friends thought of him as a brother. He was caring and generous to everyone, a guardian of those in need, and a truly exceptional person. He loved to ski, snowmobile, bike, boat, and walk in the woods, but what he loved most was Rachel and his family.

He is survived by his loving wife, best friend and soulmate Rachel Smith; two children, Jordan Smith and Lindsey Grossi and her husband, John Grossi; his mother, Sharon Aronson; his sisters and their spouses, Michele Fee Smith and Michael Fee, and Robin and Peter Hutchinson; as well as many nephews and nieces.

The family will be eternally grateful to Lisa Anweiler and Heather Lucero for the loving care they provided through Eric’s illness and to Hospice for the heartfelt support.

The Funeral will be Sunday, October 8 at 2 PM at Temple Emanu-El of Utica, 2710 Genesee Street with Rabbi Peter Schaktman officiating. Shiva will be observed at the family home 6-8PM Sunday, and Monday-Thursday 2-4PM and 6-8PM, and Friday 2-4PM. 

In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the National Brain Tumor Society, Temple Emanu-El of Utica, the Jewish Community Federation of the Mohawk Valley (the Dorothy Smith Fund), The Community Foundation, or RCIL.

Arrangements are with Mark C. Bentz Funeral Service, Inc., New Hartford.  

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