Richard (Rick) Smith

Richard “Rick” Smith

Beloved father, grandfather, brother, and friend, Richard “Rick” Smith, 60, of Ithaca, NY, passed away peacefully at home in Dryden, NY, on December 9, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family, after a courageous but brief battle with cancer.

Rick is survived by his three daughters, Kristen, Casey, and Audrey; his grandson, Lucas, who made him so proud; his siblings, Mike (Barbara), Meredyth, Melanie (Randy), and Blake (Kim); many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, and cousins; and his two adored cats, Milo and Lola. He is predeceased by his parents, John and Peggy Smith.

Born and raised in Ithaca, Rick graduated from Ithaca High School in 1982. His talent and passion for food led him to a 30-year career as a chef, including roles as executive chef at Old Port Harbor and the Ithaca Yacht Club. For the past two decades, he thrived as a research chef at the National Food Lab (NFL) in Ithaca, where his coworkers became like a second family.

But Rick’s real superpower was bringing people joy. His quick wit, infectious laugh, and knack for finding humor in any situation made him the kind of person you always wanted around. Rick loved music almost as much as he loved making people laugh. In a full-circle moment, he reunited with members of his high school band, Mother Superior, to perform at the last few Finger Lakes GrassRoots Festivals—a highlight of recent years. He was also a lifelong fan of the New York Giants.

A celebration of Rick’s life, filled with laughter, stories, and good company (as he would have wanted), will be held on December 22nd at 512 Edgewood Place in Ithaca, starting at 1 p.m. Friends, family, and anyone whose life Rick touched are invited to stop by, share a story, and honor the legacy of joy he leaves behind.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you eat a delicious meal, tell a good joke, hug someone you love, or play your favorite song in Rick’s memory.