Charles Eli "Snuffy" Smith

Greenwich - Charles Eli “Snuffy” Smith, 95, of Greenwich, passed away peacefully on Friday night, January 23, 2026, at his residence, with his family by his side.

Born on May 18, 1930, in Hoosick Falls, New York, Charles was the son of the late Roy and Ida (White) Smith. He attended Cambridge Union School and later earned his GED in 1991. Always willing to learn and work with his hands, he went on to attend Farrier School in Phoenix, New York.

Throughout his life, he was known for his strong work ethic and varied career. He worked as a heavy equipment operator for several local municipalities and was a skilled farrier. He also owned and operated Snuffy’s for several years, where he proudly served many local patrons their first legal drink. In addition, he served his community as the Town of White Creek Highway Superintendent, a role he carried out with dedication and pride.

Charles proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict, completing eight years of military service. He was also a longtime member of the Captain Maxson Post of the American Legion in Cambridge, where he remained connected to fellow veterans and continued his commitment to service.

In his leisure time, he enjoyed riding horses, fishing, playing golf, and playing cards. He loved listening to bluegrass music and was an avid reader, especially of Western history. These interests reflected his appreciation for tradition, storytelling, and the outdoors. He loved spending time with family and friends talking about life and the past…where a few “tall tales” may have been included.

Charles is survived by his wife of 36 years, Sheila Clous Smith. He is also survived by his children: Cindy Spiezio Paikin of Syracuse, New York; Chuck (Marguerite) Smith of Cambridge; Frank (Joy) Smith of Davenport, Florida; Lenny (Veronica) Atwell, Lenore (Bill) Murrane, and Jesse (Lorie) Atwell, all of Greenwich. He is further survived by many grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, Charles was predeceased by an infant daughter, his siblings, George Smith, Alice Gaal, and Frances Guber and grandchildren, Jason (JJ) Smith, Charles (Bubby) Smith and “Miss” Morgan Smith.

Funeral services will be held privately. He said he wanted to see people while he was alive, rather than have a service when he was gone. The family hosted a 95th birthday celebration for him last year, to honor that wish. Over 80 family and friends gathered to celebrate! The family is very grateful to all who made this day special for him. He was thrilled! 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in his memory may be made to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hylan Boulevard, Staten Island, NY 10306, or to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758516, Topeka, KS 66675.

To express your sympathy or share a memory of Charles please visit www.gariepyfuneralhomes.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the Ackley, Ross & Gariepy Funeral Home of Cambridge.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Charles Eli "Snuffy" Smith, please visit our floral store.