Their Story
Remembering Stephen J Smith.
Sergeant Major Stephen J. Smith, age 55, passed away on the Thursday the 20th of February and was honored with full honors by paratroopers from his 82nd Airborne Division Signal Company. He was a dedicated serviceman and beloved community member with an unwavering love for his family, his soldiers, and his hometown of Ilion NY.
Steve was born in Ilion on March 17th, 1969, a son of Theodore E. Smith and the late Deborah Smith and he attended Ilion Schools, graduating with the Class of 1987. He enlisted in the US Army and was devoted to serving his country, exemplifying honor, leadership, and integrity. He was a highly decorated, career service member, having earned a Bronze Star Medal (3rd award), Army Commendation Medal (5th award), Army Achievement Medal (8th award), Army Superior Unit Award, Army Good Conduct Medal (7th award), National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary, he served in a designated imminent danger pay area, Global War on Terrorism Medal (AFSM), Humanitarian Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal w/ Campaign Star, Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon (4th award), Army Service Ribbon, Overseas Service Ribbon (5th award), NATO Medal, Kuwait.
He served in Iraq and received an Albania/Kosovo Liberation Medal (Kuwait), Combat Action Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Senior Parachutist Badge, Parachutist Badge, Air Assault Badge, German Armed Forces Parachutist Badge - Bronze. Upon Steve's Honorable discharge and retirement from active duty, Steve had obtained the rank of Sergeant Major.
Steve's dedication continued beyond active duty as he selflessly served as an active leader, contributing to numerous organizations that supported his fellow veterans. He was a proud member of the 82nd Airborne Division Association, Ilion Elks Lodge, a dedicated Mason, and an enthusiastic supporter of the Hope for Heroes initiative.
His passion for leading and developing young leaders in the Army carried over to his amazing and energetic mentorship to the Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) where he regularly inspired greatness in the young men and women of Central Valley Academy. Steve's spirit of generosity extended to everyone, and he never missed an opportunity to give tirelessly of his time and resources.
He was married to his love, Della Basler, whom he had dated in high school. After being apart for 30 years while Steve was away on active duty, the two reconnected and were married on September 19, 2016. Completely inseparable, Steve and Della enjoyed countless golf rounds, trips to the cabin, camping, an occasional hunting trip, and plenty of laughter.
The strength of their love was felt across the Ilion community and their Army family daily.
Steve is survived by his beloved wife, Della Smith of Herkimer; his father, Theodore Smith; his children, Stephen Johnson, Stephanie "Alex" Smith, Sophia "Sophalopes" Smith and Seth Smith; one grandson, Armoni Smith; two bonus-sons; Dennis Basler, his wife, Holly and their children, Hayden and Cannon and Andrew Grosse and his partner, Sam Ellard; his siblings, Ryan, Deanna and Donald Smith; his best friend, Steve Wright, his “Army family to include that Air Force guy Richard, and his former spouse, Kathy Smith and her loving family.