HERKIMER: Leon R. (Dick) Smith, Jr. 70, beloved husband of M. Marlene (Centra) Smith passed away on Monday, May 19, 2014 after a 4 year battle with multiple myeloma at St. Elizabeth Medical Center, Utica. Born on May 30, 1943 in Memphis, Tennessee, Leon was the son of the late Leon R. Smith, Sr. and Jayne (Countermine) Smith. He was a graduate of Scotia High School and Oneonta State University. He then continued his education by attending SUNY Cortland, completing his graduate studies. On September 22, 1978, Leon was united in marriage to the former Marlene Centra, the couple sharing 35 years of happiness. Leon worked in his profession as a teacher at the Herkimer Elementary School. He was a member of the New York State Teachers Association. Though he was humorous and sharp-witted, he also held a sentimental side and was a gentle man with a loving, compassionate heart. He adored children and animals and cherished all the kickball games with his students. Leon loved spending time at his camp at The Great Sacandaga Lake, as well as water and snow skiing, boating, playing softball and bowling. He was known as the "King" of Royal Mountain Ski Area. In his leisure time, he also enjoyed playing pinochle with his Aunt Lil and Uncle Bob, going to the casino, Red Lobster and walking his dog, Babe, who he loved very much. He was an avid Yankees and NY Giants fan and always said, "I'm not a baseball fan, I'm a Yankee fan." He also frequented the Herkimer College Gym and enjoyed his visits with Dr. Anderson and Chuck Bouteiller. He is survived by his wife, M. Marlene, a daughter, Ericca Jean Sanderson and husband Gary of Lancaster, PA; a brother, Daryl Smith and wife Debra of Indian Lake, NY; a sister, Donnalee Giambrone and husband Christopher of Scotia; his cherished grandchildren, Maxwell, Joshua and Erynn Sanderson; his in-laws, Ann Ormond, Nancy Miller and John Centra and wife Nancy. He is also survived by a special aunt and uncle, Lynn (Lil) and Bob Smith, other aunts and uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and his canine friend, Babe. He was predeceased by his mother and father. The family would like to acknowledge Dr. Grethlein, Dr. Canary, Mike, Arlene, Michelle, Lisa and Reggie. Also, a special thank you to his favorite doctors, Dr. Margerite Perez-Cheron, Dr. Jacob Laubach at Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, special friends, William and Elaine Ray, Dr. Amanda Ray, Dick and Dave Gloo for their kindness and compassion shown to Leon and his family during his illness. Many thanks to Charlie and Joy Patterson for taking great care of Babe. In lieu of floral arrangements, expressions of sympathy may be made in the form of a donation in Leon's memory to the Herkimer Humane Society or St. Jude's Children's Hospital; envelopes will be available at the funeral home. Friends and relatives are invited to pay their respects on Thursday, May 22, 2014 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Enea Family Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington Street, Herkimer, NY (315)866-1011. Leon's funeral service will take place on Friday, May 23, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at the funeral home and will be celebrated by Deacon Joseph DeLorenzo. Procession will then follow to Calvary Cemetery, Herkimer where he will be laid to rest. The family is being cared for by Harry J. and Kevin E. Enea, Funeral Directors.