Chester Richard “Chet” Smith, of Rock Hill passed away on Saturday, May 3, 2025 at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York City. He was 69.

The son of the late Chester K. Smith and Winifred M. Kitton Smith, he was born September 12, 1955 in Monticello. Chet graduated from Monticello High School and Alfred State College. He went on to work at the Rock Hill Trading Post, Thompson Sanitation Corp and Emerald Green Property Owners Association.

Chet loved his community. He was an active member of the Rock Hill Fire Department serving as current treasurer and past president. He was the driving force and “go-to” man for many of the Fire Department functions, including breakfasts, car shows and various other events. He was a former member of the Rock Hill Ambulance Corps and a Past President of the Sullivan County Firefighter’s Association.

Chet hosted the American Red Cross Blood Drive at the Rock Hill Fire House, which he also benefitted from during his illness. He was a founding member of the Lake Communities Alliance, and a member of the Monticello Elks Lodge #1544. Chet also enjoyed bowling, hockey and traveling. He also rang in every New Year by lowering his beer ball.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years: Pam, at home; and his beloved cat Callie; a brother: David Smith and his wife Sheila of Dawsonville, GA; nephew: David Smith and his wife Melissa of Athens, GA; a great-niece Phoebe Kitton Smith; niece: Catherine Kruger and her husband Cody of Athens, GA.

Family and friends are invited to gather on Saturday, May 17 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at the Rock Hill Fire House, 61 Glen Wild Road in Rock Hill. A memorial firematic service will follow at 3pm at the fire house.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Rock Hill Fire Dept., The Sullivan County SPCA, the Rock Hill Volunteer Ambulance Corps, or to the Lake Community Alliance.

Arrangements are 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.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Chester, please visit our floral store.