PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Darwin Eugene Smith

US Navy
Vietnam War Era Veteran

Buffalo, NY - 03/27/2025

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 1, Region 2

About the Mission:

The family of US Navy Veteran Darwin Eugene Smith has requested Patriot Guard Riders' participation in his military honors funeral services. Mr. Smith passed 22 March 2025 at the age of 79 surrounded by his family.

He entered the Navy on 22 January 1966 as Chefs Cook on the USS Sea Lion (LPSS- 315) a Balao-Class submarine. Mr. Smith served his nation for 3 years and 8 months on active duty, 2 years 10 months sea service operating off the coast of Key West. He was honorably discharged at Naval Station Philadelphia, PA as CS2 (E- 5) on 3 October 1969. Mr. Smith was awarded; Navy Good Conduct Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After his military service, Mr. Smith worked at Dupont in Tonawanda, NY until his retirement.

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

03/27/2025 at 04:45pm

Staging Location:

Castiglia Funeral Home
873 Abbott Rd.
Buffalo, NY 14220

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Jon Ben
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Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 15, May 2024

The CDC has changed its COVID-19 protocol recommendations for 2024, updating them to reflect the changing severity and transmission of the virus. Please click here for the latest information and continue to practice common sense distancing protocols while in enclosed locations.

Special Information:

Members will stand a flag line for arriving family and guests. Military honors will be conducted at the end of visitation at 7:00 pm. Do what you can to support Mr. Smith and his loving family.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

SRC Dick Hancock

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