Leslie Martin Smith

Leslie Martin Smith, 84, of Greenwich, N.Y., passed away on March 21, following a brief illness with his family by his side.

Marty, as he was known to friends, was born on March 13, 1933, in Waterford, Mississippi. He was the son of the late Luke and Grace (Gallaher) Smith.

At the age of 16 Marty had saved enough money to take a bus to Greenwich, N.Y., to be closer to his brother Jim and his wife Ellie.

At 17 he joined the Army to travel around the country and overseas. He served in the Korean conflict and often said it was the coldest time of his life. After his service, he returned to Greenwich, married Rebecca (Saunders) and started his career and raised his family.

He partnered with his brother Jim at the Sunoco station in Greenwich, and years later purchased the Sunoco station in Cambridge which he ran for 19 years. He then built Marty Smith’s Garage in Greenwich where he worked until his retirement in 1999.

Marty was well known in the community and touched many peoples’ lives with his warm smile, big heart and great sense of humor. He always had a story to tell. He will be greatly missed by many people.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by a daughter, Stacy Ann Smith, and brothers David and William Smith.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years Rebecca (Saunders) Smith; their children Scott Smith, Shayne Smith, Garson Smith and Lincoln Smith; brother James (Ellie) Smith; grandchildren Megean Martin, Ethan Smith, Maggie Rose Smith, Ellery Smith, Alexia Smith, and Gabriel Smith; many nieces and nephews; as well as many cousins in Mississippi whom he spoke with often.

Marty loved to spend time with his family, help people in the community, tend to his vegetable gardens , and especially enjoyed playing cards on Wednesday nights with Becky, Jim, and Ellie.

The family would like to thank the wonderful staff at Saratoga Hospital for their care and compassion during Marty’s illness.

A celebration of his life was held at the Greenwich VFW,  63 Abeel Ave., on Sunday, April 2 from 12 p.m.- 4 p.m.

Donations in Marty’s name may be made to the Easton-Greenwich Rescue Squad or to the Greenwich VFW Post 7291.

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