Saratoga Springs- Michael "Mickey" Anthony Smith, Sr. of Christina Court, died Wednesday (March 5, 2008) of heart failure at St. Peters Hospital.

Born January 19, 1939 in Saratoga Springs, a lifelong resident he was the son of the late William Henry Smith and Angeline Mary Girard Smith.  Mickey attended School Number 1 and Saratoga Springs High School graduating in 1958.  While attending high school he excelled in basketball and football, receiving Varsity Letters in both.  He was a member of the 1956, 1957 and 1958 basketball team reaching the title sectional game that resulted in 2 championships.

Mickey was a longstanding member of the Elks Club, and for many years coached and supported the Youth Biddy Basketball League. Originally formed by Ben Fasulo, Mickey coached a few years in the 1970’s. He was also an assistant coach for Bob King at the St. Clememt’s CYO program. A member of McGregor Links Country Club he was an avid golfer.

He attended the State University of Oneonta’s evening program for Draftsmanship and Print Reading. As a Master carpenter he helped in the construction of dormitories, science buildings and recreation centers at Hartwick College and the State University at Oneonta.  After returning to Saratoga, he worked on the Lutheran Church as well as the St. Clements Church and Rectory.

From 1978-1988 he was employed by the City of Saratoga Springs as the Superintendent of Building and Grounds.  As Superintendent, he was inspired by his late wife Phyllis Riley Smith, to create the flower program along side Jim Gapczynski, and under the administration of Brian Dwyer and Tom McTygue, the program flourished into what it is today. During his span of employment with the City of Saratoga, he renovated the 3rd floor of City Hall to its original splendor.  His accomplishments include the creation of the Law Library with its stained glass windows and renovations to the Canfield Casino. As the president of Mickey Smith and Sons Inc, he was a third generation general contractor. Until his passing, Mickey worked with his sons Michael Jr. and Brian, to construct many beautiful homes in the Saratoga region.

In addition to his parents Mickey was predeceased by his former wife, Phyllis Riley Smith; four sisters; Mary Piacentini, Joan Pallor, Frances Macier, Victoria McHugh; and one brother Frank (Chi Chi) Pallor.  

Survivors include his children, Kelleyanne Sweeney- Anderson (Ron), Michael Anthony Jr. (Maureen), Brian Philip (Susannah). Jennifer Smith Macica (Larry) and Alexis Smith and her mother Mary; his beloved grandchildren Riley Smith, Andrew and Shawn Sweeney, Nicholas Smith and Max Ahearn, and Philip and Alexandria Macica; his sister Angeline Thobae (William) and brother Donald (Joanne); several nieces and nephews.  He is also survived by dear friends Brian Dwyer, James Murphy Jr., John Traver, and Rose and Joe O’Brien.

Relatives and friends gathered on, Sunday (March 9, 2008) at the William J. Burke and Sons/ Bussing and Cunniff Funeral Homes, 628 North Broadway (584-5373). The Saratoga/Wilton B.P.O. Elks Lodge 161 will met at the funeral home.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Monday at St. Clement’s Roman Catholic Church, 231 Lake Avenue. The Rev. Neil Draves-Arpaia officiated.

Burial followed in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, West Ave.

Email condolences may be made to burkefuneralhome@nycap.rr.com.