Our Obituaries

Alvah “Alvie” Smith went home to be with his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on October 29, 2017 surrounded by his loving family. He was 88 years old, born September 11, 1929 in Port Jervis, NY. He was the son of the late John Nelson Smith, Sr. and the late Helen Decker Smith. He was the bother of Kathleen Oathout and husband Russell of St. Petersburg, FL and the late Iola May Smith, Helen Smith Masanotti, Flora Smith & Ella Smith Millspaugh and his brother John Smith Jr. Alvie was a graduate of Port Jervis High School class of 1949 where he was known for his athletic achievements, particularly football. Upon graduation, he went to the University of Miami to continue to play football. Alvie then enlisted in the US Navy during the Korean Conflict, where he served his country as an aerial photographer aboard the USS Princeton. He was married 66 years to Ruth M Lawrence, and had five children, Roxanne, Amanda, Kyle, and predeceased by Bonna and Blake. He was a member of the Presbyterian Church and served as an elder for many years. Alvie generously served his church and his community throughout his life. He worked for the Prudential Insurance Company for more than 35 years, receiving numerous awards for his exemplary work and efforts. He also was a part-time school bus driver for the Delaware Valley school system. Upon retirement, Alvie and Ruth owned and operated Alvie’s Emporium located on Jersey Avenue. He then enjoyed working for Laurel Grove Florists as a delivery person. He was also a passionate volunteer for the Port Jervis area Pop Warner Football program where he refereed the games for over 40 years, as well as refereeing JV and Varsity high school football games. Alvie is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Roxanne Luhrs and husband Thomas of Milford, PA, daughter Amanda Smith of Matamoras, PA and son, Kyle Smith and wife, Virginia of Westwood, NJ. Survivors also include: seven grandchildren: Marissa, Dustin, Whitney and Connor Luhrs. Kiera Smith and Kaitlin Smith Diaz and Joshua Smith. He is also survived by two great grandchildren, Hudson and Kennedy Diaz. The family appreciates all the support from family members James and Mary Millspaugh, and family friends, The Bernard Barnett family and the Paul Gillette family. A memorial Service will be held at the First Presbyterian Church of Port Jervis, NY at 1:00 PM, Saturday, November 4 located at 60 Sussex Street, Port Jervis, NY 12771. Rev. Ann Akers will officiate. The family would like to thank the Pocono Medical Center and especially the CV Tele Unit for the exceptional care they provided Alvah. The family requests donations be made to the “Bonna Dee Smith Art Scholarship”, Wells Fargo Bank, Matamoras, PA 18336. Arrangements are made by Knight-Auchmoody Funeral Home, 154 E. Main St., Port Jervis, NY. For information, directions or to send a condolence note to the family visit knight-auchmoody.com. The memorial service may be accessed through the First Presbyterian Church Face Book page.