Lawrence E. Smith, Larry to those who knew and loved him, passed away on Thursday December 2, 1999, following a long illness. He was 57 years old. He is survived by two sons, Logan and Cameron, both of Colonie; his wife, Nancy Van Ast, also of Colonie; and his beloved partner Sondra Lisson of Andover, Mass. He also leaves behind his mother, Charlotte Smith of Rochester; his siblings, Janet Brueckner, Arleen Perkins, Barbara Ortiz and Phillip Smith, all of Rochester, NY; and many dear friends who will miss him so. He was predeceased by his sister, Karen Caulfield, formerly of Houston, Texas. Larry was born on September 28, 1942 in Elizabeth, New Jersey and grew up in the Rochester area. He was one of six children, very much a family man and very much the man of the family. He attended Columbia University, where he rode varsity crew and graduated from RPI, where he received a degree in Art History. In 1972, Larry began a 24-year career in public service with the Albany County Planning Department, where he served as planning director for most of those years. Larry's abilities were unique as was his approach to life. His tenure was marked by intelligence, wisdom and diverse knowledge, which were applied with professionalism and style. A computer and database expert, he deserves credit for his substantial contributions on County Legislative redistricting and the Albany County E-911 system. He also played a pivotal role in the preliminary planning work for both the Pepsi Arena and Heritage Park. Larry was an avid stamp collector and beer connoisseur, a lover of words and crossword puzzles, a composer of limericks, a lover of the absurd and the controversial. He debated for the sake of the argument and the fun of intellectual confrontation. Larry will long be remembered for his sensitivity, compassion, generosity, intelligence, wit and the many other facets of his truly unique character. But most importantly, Larry will long be remembered because he loved and was loved by so many. The family has requested that contributions may be made, in Larry's name, to AVIS, (Andover Village Improvement Society, P.O. Box 5097, Andover, MA 01810) stewards of some of Larry's places to walk, reflect and be with those he loved, hiking, and looking for mushrooms. No service will be held. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Levine Memorial Chapel, 649 Washington Avenue, Albany.
-Obituary from the Albany Times Union, December 3, 1999