PGRNY Completed Missions

Honor Mission

Edward F. Smith, Jr.

United States Army
Cold War Era Veteran

Multi-City, NY - 11/17/2023

Mission applies to the following Region(s):

Region 4, Region 5

About the Mission:

The family of Edward F. Smith, Jr. has requested Patriot Guard Riders participation in his funeral services.  Edward, 86, passed away peacefully on Saturday, November 4, 2023.

Born in Albany, Ed was a graduate of the Class of 1955 at Christian Brothers Academy and went on to receive a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from Siena College. Following graduation, he served in the United States Army, earning the rank of 1st Lieutenant. After being honorably discharged on October 14, 1962, he worked as a Credit Collection Manager for International Harvester Company and Agway Inc. Later in his career, he held his most enjoyable job when he became Director of Alumni Relations at his alma mater, Siena College.

Ed was a lifelong and avid fan of the Boston Red Sox and the Siena College basketball team. His love of sports and music led him to become the Sunday afternoon voice of Siena College’s radio station, WVCR, and his show, “Smitty and Friends” was a popular program for well over a decade.

Portions of the above narrative are contained in Ed's obituary, available for viewing online by clicking here

Primary Staging Date and Staging Time:

11/17/2023 at 08:45am

Staging Location:

Townley and Wheeler Funeral Home
21 Midline Rd.
Ballston Lake, NY 12019

Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Shirley Gawlak
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Special Covid-19 Mission Guidelines:

Updated 8 March 2022

Based on the most current COVID-19 Prevention Guidelines: Protect Yourself and Your Family from COVID-19, and CDC Guidelines of 3 March 2022, going forward, the Lead Ride Captain for any mission will be responsible for determining whether PGR members will have to mask up or not. Please ensure that you have a mask with you, should the need arise, and respect the LRC’s decision in these matters.

Special Information:

We will stage for dignified transfer and then escort to Saratoga National Cemetery for a 10:00 service.

Is there a Second Stage to this Mission?

yes

Second Staging Date and Staging Time:

11/17/2023 at 09:30am

Second Location:

Saratoga National Cemetery
200 Duell Rd.
Schuylerville, NY 12871

Second Lead Ride Captain and Contact Info:

Shirley Gawlak
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Second Stage - Special Information:

Please stage quietly and in accordance with current guidelines.

Is there a Third Stage to this Mission?

no

Submitted by:

Dan Nolin

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