Lonney Chapman Smith,79, passed away peacefully on December 26, 2025, at VA Medical Center Albany. He was born on February 19, 1946, in the Bronx, New York to the late James Smith and Nadine (Clute) Smith. At a young age he moved with his family to Schenectady, NY , graduating from Schenectady High School and then, much later, from Schenectady County Community College in 1970.

For his entire adult life, Lonney lived the phrase “Go big or go home” long before it became a popular 21 st century phrase. This began during the Vietnam Era with his enlistment in the Marines, the branch of service he saw as the most exacting. Despite having never held a firearm, he became an expert marksman ultimately serving stateside as a rifle instructor. Though he rarely spoke of time in the military, he was deeply proud of his service, proud of the Corps, and proud of Vietnam veterans as a whole.

Continuing to set a high standard for himself, Lonney became a gifted entrepreneur whose work left a lasting mark on the communities and businesses he touched. He built successful ventures through quiet hard work, careful study, research, and an unwavering belief in himself. As the Director of Food Service at the Turf Inn, Wolf Rd during the late 1970s and '80's, he began working with the non-profit ARC providing work opportunities for numerous ARC clients. Ahead of the curve in this collaboration, his efforts in creating a statewide work placement program earned letters of recognition from numerous agencies and New York State politicians.

His lifelong love of learning was evidenced by stacks of books, marked carefully with highlighters long before the internet and then through online courses in web design or Photoshop. He was exceptionally talented as a photographer, where he loved the craft, especially the technique, the angles, the shadows, and the process of developing film as much as the outcome. Computers and technology were among his favorite pursuits, and he was always eager to explore the newest tools and ideas. He experimented constantly in the kitchen with an impressive collection of commercial-grade kitchen appliances and took great satisfaction in having the best of whatever he chose to own.

He was a man of strong opinions and strong convictions. He was a Democrat, a devoted Bernie Sanders supporter, and later an enthusiastic supporter of Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. His passion extended beyond politics and into everyday life, especially when it came to animals, often befriending the shyest and most unlikely creatures through patience, calmness, and perseverance. He was generous in putting his beliefs into action through monthly political contributions, various veteran organizations, and the ASPCA.

Throughout his adult life, Lonney struggled in his friendship with Bill yet will be remembered as a man of grit, intelligence, humor, and unmistakable individuality. He lived life on his own terms, worked hard for what he achieved, and took pride in doing things the right way. His family and friends will remember his loyalty, his stubbornness, his curiosity, and the many ways he made his presence known.

Lonney Chapman Smith is survived by his son Daniel Padgett, his daughter-in-law Amanda Padgett and his grandchildren Mariella and Creeden, his son Tyler Smith and his close friend William Nichols. He will be laid to rest in the family plot at Greenridge Cemetery in Saratoga Springs, with military honors, at the convenience of the family.