Obituary of Richard H. Smalls

On Friday July 11th Richard H. Smalls passed away peacefully surrounded by family after a yearlong battle with cancer. He was 67. For those of us fortunate enough to have spent time with Richard we know that our community has lost an amazing man – a husband, father, grandfather, uncle, brother and businessman who faithfully lived his values. Richard was a self-made man, with incredible work ethic and an immense pride in his family. Never will you meet a man with a more gentle heart, a desire to help those less fortunate, and the ability to solve nearly any complex problem set before him. Richard was strong in body, in spirit, and in commitment and he faced his last battle with the same honor, dignity and grace that he did his life. In the hours that have passed since Richard left us we have come together as a family to reminisce. Looking through old family photos and sharing stories of Richards's life, one story kept re-surfacing that captured Richards generosity, kindness, selflessness and work ethic all in one. The story goes that after receiving a call from a local family who had no heat during a blizzard, Richard put a few tools in a backpack, strapped on a pair of cross-country skis and headed out into the night to make sure that heat was restored. For almost 30 years Richard gave his company, Smalls Plumbing & Heating, the same love and devotion as he did his family. No one will forget the memories of fishing, hunting with friends and family or how Richard loved his family and close friends – no matter what the circumstance his commitment to family shined throughout his life. He is survived by his wife Janet of Monticello, his son Dan and grandson Wylie of Ithaca, NY and daughter Margo of High Falls, NY, his mother Della Hitt Smalls of Monticello, sisters Shirley Hornbeck and her husband George of Monticello, NY, Barbara Fontana and her husband Ted of Monticello, NY, Patsy Resnick and her husband Billy of Rock Hill, NY, his brother Ray Smalls of Aspen, Co, nephews Josh Altman and family of Monticello, Ryan Smalls and family of Aspen, CO and nieces Rebecca Kelly of Newburgh, NY, Lilli Smalls of Aspen, CO and Madeline Geraci of Florida. Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial gathering on Sunday, July 13 from 2-4pm at the VanInwegen-Kenny Funeral Home, 401 Broadway in Monticello. Words of remembrance will take place at about 3:30. In lieu of flowers the family asks that donations be made to the Elizabeth Ann Clune Montessori School of Ithaca. The address is: 120 East King Road, Ithaca, NY 14850. Arrangements under the direction of the VanInwegen-Kenny, Inc. Funeral Home of Monticello. For additional information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.kennyfuneralhome.com