Robert K. Smith

ALBANY- Robert King Smith, 63, of Albany, NY, passed away at home on Monday, November 24, 2025. As a youngster he was lively and entertaining. He would continue to share his gift of creative humor with family, and friends throughout his life.
Robert (Bob to friends) was a member of the Albany High School class of 1981. There, he excelled as a high school athlete, leading his cross country, indoor track and outdoor track teams as captain in both his junior and senior years. After high school, he attended Hudson Valley Community College and then Slippery Rock University in Pennsylvania where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Lifetime Fitness and made lifelong friends.
Following college graduation, Robert worked in fitness training and as a self-employed contractor. Not satisfied with these experiences, in his late 30’s, he made a very challenging and courageous decision to return to school to pursue a career in physical therapy. He graduated from Utica College with his master’s degree in physical therapy in 2004. After sampling several employment opportunities, he found his long-term professional calling at The Pines at Catskill, a nursing and rehabilitation facility south of Albany. At The Pines, Robert’s gentle humor, empathy and mastery of clinical skills earned him great respect from his co-workers and gratitude from his patients.
Robert was an accomplished hunter of deer and especially appreciated being in the woods in the fall. He enjoyed riding his motorcycles and could often be found working in his garage on one of his vintage bikes. He was also a knowledgeable gardener and loved to cook with the vegetables that he grew. Farmer Bob’s Fermented Habanero Hot Sauce was his original creation and was enjoyed by those who could handle the heat!
Robert will be missed by many. He was preceded in death by his parents, Hazel Phillips Smith and Arthur Garfield Smith. He is survived by his siblings, Nancy Newkirk (Donald), Karen Jean Smith (Guy Swenson), Gary Smith and James C. “JC” Smith (Gail Pollard).
Relatives and friends are invited to visit with Bob's family on Saturday, December 6, 2025 from 1- 3 pm in the Daniel Keenan Funeral Home 490 Delaware Ave., with a Celebration of Life beginning at 2:30 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider a contribution to a charity of your choice in memory of Bob. Online condolences may be offered at danielkeenanfuneralhome.com