Reginald "Reggie" J. Smith Jr.

Reginald “Reggie” J. Smith, Jr., 79, of Syracuse, passed away Saturday. A lifetime resident of the Syracuse area, he was a graduate of both Minoa High School and Central City Business Institute. Reggie was an independent sales representative for multiple jewelry companies and owned and operated three local gift shops including MoKim Treasures in Fairmount Fair Mall, LaVie Boutique in Marshall Square Mall, and Sandia Cards and Gifts in Shoppingtown Mall. He previously worked for Lipe Rollway, Syroco, Kayser Beauty Supply and was a very active member of St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.

Reggie was an instructor for Jr. Achievement and the West Genesee High School Marching Band, where he was affectionately nicknamed “Winnie” by his students. He was a proud member of the Syracuse Brigadiers Drum and Bugle Corps, and later, their alumni corps. “Once a Brigadier, always a Brigadier!”

Reggie was a devoted dad who was always there for his family. He was a loving grandfather who helped with the care of his grandchildren and supported their activities. The family would like to thank the staff at Iroquois Nursing Home for his recent care.

He was predeceased by his parents, Reginald and Marie Smith, Sr. and his second wife, Susann C. Smith.

Surviving are his wife, Frances; daughters, Maureen (Martin) Mulderig, Jennifer Bersani both of Camillus, and Kimberly Smith of Troy; stepchildren, James (Tracey) VanDyke of Fairmount and Lori (William) Erlenback of Elbridge; brother, Fred (Linda) Smith of Las Vegas; sister, Rita (Ray) Matthes of East Syracuse; grandchildren, Nick Mulderig, Madison VanDyke and Ali Riznyk; three nieces and a nephew.

A funeral service to celebrate Reggie’s life will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, September 18 at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, 5402 W. Genesee St., Camillus. If you are not vaccinated, please wear a mask. Reggie will be laid to rest in Fayetteville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the West Genesee Wildcat Marching Band, 300 Sanderson Dr., Camillus, NY 13031. Please make checks payable to WGCSDSAF, Memo: Marching Band, or to Parkinson’s Foundation, 200 SE 1st St., Suite 800, Miami FL., 33131, www.parkinson.org.