Todd R. Smithson

IN LOVING MEMORY

ILION - Todd Smithson, 62, passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, March 29th, 2026, at his home in Ilion, New York.

Todd was born in Ilion on June 19th, 1963, the son of Robert and Mary Jane Smithson. A lifelong resident, he graduated from Ilion High School, a proud member of the Class of 1981. Todd began work with the Village’s Power & Light Department not long after school, eventually becoming Foreman with more than 30 years of dedicated service.

Todd married Vikki Patterson on August 28th, 1993, in the historic Chesham Place in Ilion. With their children Justin and Richelle, they created a life built on the love of family and days filled with organized chaos and happiness.

Todd looked forward to any opportunity to drop a line in a quiet pond or stream in the Adirondacks. Like any good fisherman, he probably had more fish stories than actual fish, but the stories were awesome. Even more than a relaxing day in the woods, Todd loved to be part of the party, not just a part of the crowd. He enjoyed a good game of golf as much as spending time with friends at any of the clubs and organizations in town. While he seldom requested help for anything, he was quick to offer his own time. He was committed to his opinions but willing to listen to yours.

Todd was truly happiest when surrounded by family. He planned several events each year to bring family and friends to his beloved Trading Post at home. Halloween movie night was a family favorite. He loved to cook and there was always hot food on the grill and cold drinks in the fridge. For years Todd and Vikki organized family holidays, the biggest being Thanksgiving, which eventually grew to include so many they had to use the K of C to have enough room for everyone. And after days of planning and cooking and serving a couple of turkeys with all the sides for 30 or 40, Todd still managed to be sure Santa made a quick appearance to get a good start on all of the kids’ Christmas lists.

Todd quickly put aside anything he may have been doing if Vikki and the kids needed him. He supported Justin in every way as he took part in school musicals and plays and continuously worked to develop all of his talents. When Jay and two of his friends decided to start a garage band and Todd realized the boys were pretty serious, Todd and Vikki provided a place to practice and even a way to move their equipment when they started playing. Todd took enormous pride as the first official roadie. Then boys were too young, so he served as a driver and a chaperone at all of their early gigs.

Richelle was also busy with school and playing sports as well. Todd and Vikki were at all of Richelle’s games, either on the bleachers or helping with the concessions or setting up fields. Between games they had practices and fundraisers. And there were all of the other school activities of course. After school Todd and Vikki continued to stand with Justin and Richelle as they looked forward to everything life brings, growing families, new challenges and opportunities. Todd was there.

The only thing which could garner more of Todd’s attention than Justin and Richelle were the grandkids, Jake, Jameson, Brody and Oliver. He was the proudest of grandfathers and there were no limits to what he would do for them. Todd shared an incredible, strong, personal bond with each of the grandkids. He loved to watch Oliver’s love of music grow, he learned so much from Jameson’s enduring strength in the short time he was with us, he truly enjoyed Jake’s inquisitive spirit, and he shared Brody’s love of sports, especially wrestling. Todd was there. Todd was always there. And in his moments of pride, or while sharing a quick joke, you might notice a small grin in the corner of his mouth. You might not see it right away, he didn’t always wear a big smile, he didn’t frequently laugh out loud. He laughed with his heart, and you saw it in his eyes. Try as he might to hide them, his pride and his joy were unmistakable.

Todd is survived by his beloved wife Vikki; his children and grandchildren; Justin and Jessica Smithson and Oliver, Richelle and Shawn Devereese and Jake and Brody; his sister Robyn Damron, his sister and brother-in-law Lynne and Mike Orendorf, his special aunts; Bridget and Peter Snyder, Barbara Smithson, and Toni Foisy, many special nieces, nephews, cousins, many special friends, including several who were like family; Tim Day, Jeff Steele, and Lorrie Bates, as well as his friends from the Winter Club and the Knights Of Columbus, his Class of 1981 and Ilion Golden Bombers schoolmates, and his coworkers. He also leaves his beloved pets Louie and Stewart.

Todd was predeceased by his grandson Jameson, his parents, Bob and Jane, and Vikki’s parents, Janet and Chick Patterson.

Vikki and the kids invite family and friends to gather at 1:00 PM on Saturday, April 11th, 2026, at the Ilion Knights of Columbus to share memories as we celebrate Todd’s life.

Please consider donations to the Herkimer County Humane Society in Todd’s name as a remembrance.

The family would like to thank the Ilion Fire Department, the Ilion Police Department and Kevin Enea for all of their care and compassion during this very difficult time.

Todd’s final care arrangements have been entrusted to The Enea & Ciaccia Family Funeral Home, 4309 Acme Road in Ilion, New York. His obituary may be viewed on the funeral home website at www.eneafamily.com on the Internet.

Todd - thank you for always being there for us, for teaching us we had the ability to achieve all of our goals, and for giving us everything we need to do so. 

All our love, forever.