Terence L. "Terry" Smith

FRANKFORT - Terence L. "Terry" Smith, age 67, formerly of Amsterdam, NY and currently of Frankfort, NY, passed away peacefully on February 5, 2024, in the privacy and comfort of his home, with his family and canine companions at his side. He will be remembered for his love of his family, dogs, V-8 cars and aircraft.

Terry was born on July 26, 1956 in Amsterdam and was raised and educated there. While he spent most of his career in the aviation industry, he achieved a rare but important medical accomplishment in 1994, as he became one of the first individuals in New York to undergo a bone marrow transplant; something that was still considered experimental at the time.

Although not named due to privacy regulations, Terry's successful transplant and recovery were discussed in medical books, contributing to the advancement of bone marrow transplantation. His resilience and thirty-year battle with cancer served as an inspiration to countless others facing similar challenges.

Terry is survived by his loving wife, Michele DeRocco-Smith; his son, Ryan D. Smith; and his dogs, Fiona, London, Stormy, Gia and Cricket. He is also survived by his mother, Sheila Smith; his siblings, Bruce Smith, Brian Smith and Kate Bodie; his parents-in-law, Michael and Maureen DeRocco; his sister-in-law, Melissa Zalocka; and his brothers-in-law, Mark DeRocco and Michael DeRocco, Jr. He was preceded in death by his father, Donald Smith.

Terry's dedication to his career was evident during his 30+ years as a Research Manager at JETNET, LLC. He loved his job and his extensive knowledge and dedication helped to grow the company from a small office in the former Charlestown mall, to an integral part of the aviation industry.

In his spare time, Terry enjoyed indulging in his hobbies of playing basketball and sports cars, culminating with a forty year old Chevrolet Corvette with only 30K original miles; something that he was able to enjoy in the final years of his life. If Terry wasn't in the Corvette, he would almost definitely be at whatever location local musician and good friend, Max Scialdone, was playing. Terry and his wife would regularly go watch him perform, creating a busy but enjoyable retirement social life.

In keeping with Terry's wishes, there will be no formal services. Cremation arrangements were entrusted to the Enea, Ciaccia & Applegate Funeral Directors. Online notes of sympathy may be left at www.eneafamily.com .

Terry will be deeply missed by all who knew him.