Richard Edward Smith, 81, of Palm Coast, Florida passed away Sunday, January 26, 2025.  He was born on November 29, 1943 in Queens, New York and attended East Meadow High School, lettering in wrestling and track & field.  Rick attended Hofstra University, receiving a Bachelors in Arts in History and then Masters in History on a R.O.T.C scholarship. Rick entered the United States Army in July 1965, serving his country in Vietnam. Achieving the rank of Lieutenant, Rick was a member of the First Signal Brigade (1966-1967), earning a Bronze Star. A proud patriot, he was honorably discharged in August 1967. The following year he was hired as a history teacher for Smithtown High School. His storied career spanned over 30 years and during this time, Rick continued to pursue higher education, earning a second Masters degree from Stony Brook University. Even after his official retirement from classroom teaching, he continued to tutor students for the Smithtown school district until 2014 and was an adjunct Professor at Five Towns College.  As a father, he encouraged his children to do their best and made simple moments special.  Living on Long Island, New York Rick developed a love for the ocean and boating.  He was also an active volunteer in his community, serving the youth as a Cub Scout Scoutmaster for many years and coaching St. James-Smithtown Little league.  When he and his wife, Linda retired in 2013 they did not want to be too far from the ocean and settled in Palm Coast, Florida.  Rick was a voracious reader, reading 2-3 books per week, and a history buff – especially military history. During his retirement years, he channeled his love for reading and military history as a collector of military memorabilia. Rick was an active member of the St James VFW Post #395.

Rick is survived by his loving wife, Linda A, Smith; son, Andrew B. Smith (wife, Tiffany Smith); son, Jarrod Smith (wife, Melody Smith); daughter, Amanda Mason (husband, Adrian Mason); son, Corey Gregory (wife, Janet Gregory); son, Travis Gregory (wife, Jessica Gregory); cherished grandchildren, Ashley, Nicolette, Hunter, Samantha, Sabrina, Bella, Sophie, Penelope, and Lucy; and other extended family and friends.

There will be a celebration of Rick's life on Saturday, February 8, 2025 at 10:30AM at Lohman Funeral Home located at 220 Palm Coast Parkway SW, Palm Coast, Florida 32137.  Interment will be held at a later date at Calverton National Cemetery in Wading River, New York.

In lieu of flowers the family would request donations to be made to a charity of your choice.