WATERTOWN, NY — Anton Milain Smith, born April 20, 1925, age 93, of Samaritan Summit Village, Watertown, NY, died Thursday, June 28, and was joyfully reunited with his beloved wife Margery, and parents Cecil and Audra Smith, and the many friends who passed before him.
Milain is survived by his four sons: Michael (Martha), Cincinnati, OH, Christopher (Lucille), Syracuse, Mark (Susan), Watertown, and Timothy (Lizz), Livonia, MI. He is also survived by seven grandchildren: Aaron (Wendy), Matthew (Erin), Ashley Bovard (Jason), Cassandra, Audra Ahl (Joe), Margaret Ramsay (Mark) and Alexandra (Brendan Dirrane). He is also survived by fourteen great-grandchildren: Arielle, Ella, Cole, Luke, Nate, Molly, Andrew, Logan, Elodie, Mason, Avery, Fiona, Charlotte and Cormac.
Milain, along with his father, owned and operated Triangle Turkey Farm in Rutland, NY. Following that he worked in the real estate field and was property manager of the Woolworth building in downtown Watertown. He was a founding board member of the Tug Hill Commission and served on the boards of the Samaritan Keep Home and the Salvation Army.
Milain’s family was his highest priority, followed by Asbury United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, and the Little Kildare Club. As Head Usher for many years at Asbury, it was his pleasure to greet worshipers and to “show off” the church he cherished. His devotion to the Salvation Army was exemplified by decades of service as a renowned “Old News Boy”. He dearly loved the outdoors as a hunter and fisherman. Little Kildare was his “special place”. He was a founding member and lifelong participant of the Rutland Congregational Church’s “Club 47”.
Milain was a caring and compassionate man who had a positive and lasting effect on our family and our community. He will be greatly missed.
Donations in his name may be made to Asbury UMC or the Salvation Army of Watertown, NY.
Arrangements are with Reed & Benoit Funeral Home, 632 State St., Watertown.
Calling hours will be 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday July 1, at the funeral home. A memorial service will be held 10 a.m. Monday, July 2, at Asbury UMC, Parker St., Watertown. A reception will follow the funeral and committal, at Samaritan Summit Village, 22691 Campus Drive, Watertown.
Online condolences may be made at www.reedbenoit.com.
