Obituary of Russell Grafton Smith

Russell Grafton Smith, 84, of Sarasota, FL, passed away peacefully surrounded by his loving sisters on Sunday, February 3, 2019 at Tidewell Hospice House, Sarasota, FL.

Born in Trenton, NJ he was a longtime area resident before moving to Sarasota Florida after his retirement. Russell was a United States Air Force Veteran, having proudly served his country from 1952-1960.  Russell is a retiree after 29 years of service with NCR Corp., having been employed as a District Manager.  Russell was a member of the (AOPA) Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association from March 1, 1960 until his passing.  Russell maintained his private pilot’s license for 60 years and owner of numerous planes during that time.  He was a model train enthusiast and has his original 1939 Lionel train set.  Russell enjoyed golfing, boating, snow skiing, travel and has had and enjoyed collecting special interest cars from Corvettes to Cadillac convertibles.

Predeceased by his parents Earl Russell and Blanche Smith; he is survived by two sisters and one brother-in-law Carol Benedict, Dorothy and Frank Szczech; three nephews Hiram Benedict and his wife Mary Ann, C. Scott Benedict, Shaun Szczech and his wife Meghan; one niece Robin Broomer and her husband Simon; two great nieces and three great nephews.

Funeral services will be held on Wednesday, February 13, 2019 at 11AM at the 1867 Sanctuary, 101 Scotch Road, Ewing, NJ 08628.  For those attending services, please use the Ewing Presbyterian Church parking lot located across the street.

Interment will follow at Ewing Church Cemetery, Ewing.

The viewing will be held on for Russell will be held on Wednesday morning from 10-11AM at the 1867 Sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to American Cancer Society by visiting their website at www.cancer.org