ST. JOHNSVILLE- Melvin C. Smith, 82, of Timmerman Ave. entered into eternal rest peacefully on Tuesday February 10,2009 with his beloved wife Pauline at his side at St. Johnsville Rehabilitation & Nursing Center He was born on November 22, 1926 in Albany, NY, son of the Melvin N. and Dorothy (Brandow) Smith. Mel was joined in marriage on March 27, 1958 to Pauline Matis. A graduate of Ft. Plain High School, Mel continued his education at Niagra University and the University of Rochester. He began his 37 year career with General Electric in 1950 as a draftsman, and held various positions throughout his career. He was most proud of his involvement in the NASA Space program @ Cape Canaveral, FL. Mel was a proud veteran of WWII, serving in the US Army Air Force. His involvement in the community was an important part of his life. Mel had been President of the New Hartford Library Board, a member of the Police Commission of New Hartford and worked as a docent at the Munson Williams Proctor. He was also a trustee on the St. Johnsville Village Board, a member of the St. Johnsville Planning Board, and active member of the St. Johnsville Youth Center Board. Mel was kind to all those he met, and those who knew him would say "My life is better for having known him". His interests/hobbies included carpentry, watercolor painting, golfing, tennis, bowling, cards, traveling and Star Trek. He loved the outdoors and camping with his family. Survivors include: his loving wife of 50 years Pauline Matis Smith; 2 daughters: Dana Shimkus and her husband Chuck of West Hartford, CT,Paula Default and her husband David, also of West Hartford, CT; his brothers Russell Smith and wife Marlin of Clay, NY, James Smith and wife Karen of Saratoga Springs, his sister Audrey Baum of Northboro, MA; his adored grandchildren: Danielle, Abby, Mary and Charlie Shimkus; Jessica, Jacob and Joshua Default and many nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother-in law Bill Baum. The family will receive relatives and friends on Thursday February 19, 2009 from 10-11am at The Enea Family Funeral Home, 9 Center St. Saint Johnsville, NY. Military honors will be presented. A religious service will follow the calling hours at 11am with the Rev. Dr. Steven A. Scarcia, rector of Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Little Falls, officiating. The family is thankful to all the family, friends and acquaintances for their support. In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made to the National MS Society of Upstate New york or the Alzheimer's Association in Albany in Melvin's name. Envelopes may be obtained at the funeral home.