Henry John Smith

Henry “Hank” J. Smith, 87, formerly of Fairmount, passed away Thursday at Crouse Hospital. Always interested in education, Hank acquired three degrees in engineering and business. In later years, he completed advanced courses in computer technology at the Center for Business Information Technologies at Syracuse University. Hank was a member of the computer advisory boards for BOCES, CCBI, OCC, and SUNY Morrisville. He wrote and taught classes on financial systems for Agway and taught at Syracuse University.

Hank received the 1990 Computer Professional of the Year Award for organizing, running, and teaching certification classes for computer professionals for several years. He held the title of Certified Computer Professional.

Hank was former president and treasurer of the Men's Garden Club of Syracuse and served in other capacities. He was also a former treasurer of the Upstate New York Region of The Gardeners of America and was a Master Gardener.

Hank was past president of the West Genesee Athletic Club which runs Babe Ruth baseball and Pop Warner football programs in Camillus. A former member of the Buildings and Grounds Committee at Holy Family Church, he used his gardening expertise for five years to oversee the landscape of the entire church complex.

Hank enjoyed gardening and traveling with his wife, Betty Jane, to see gardens in the U.S. and Europe. He won many awards for his flowers in various shows, including the New York State Fair.

Describing himself as an "educated amateur" in the kitchen, Hank developed a pumpkin pie recipe and some soup recipes, He also won awards for his culinary efforts at the State Fair. 

Hank was predeceased in 2014 by his wife of 52 years, Betty Jane.

Surviving are his daughter, Eileen Smith of Helena, MT; sons, Edward of Webster, Nathaniel of South Boston, MA, David of Chickamauga, GA, and Andrew of Duncanville, TX; brother, Robert Smith of Pompton Plains, NJ; grandchildren, Eric, Dana, Brianna, Cecilia, Felicity, Lucy, Cyprian, Abraham and Henry; great-granddaughter, Vivian; several nieces and nephews; and several great-nieces and great-nephews.

Relatives and friends may call Thursday, October 26 from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Buranich Funeral Home, 5431 W. Genesee St., Camillus.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated Friday, October 27 at 10 a.m. in Holy Family Church, 127 Chapel Dr., Syracuse.

Henry will be laid to rest in Greenlawn Cemetery, Warners.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Men & Women’s Garden Club of Syracuse, Inc., P.O. Box 23, Syracuse, NY 13209.