Roger David Smith

Roger David Smith, 86, of Highlands Ranch, CO, a man of fervent faith, steady resilience, and unwavering devotion to his family, passed away April 29, 2025 after battling prostate cancer for twelve years. He was born in Ossining, New York, to Gertrude (Webel) Smith and Frederick Arthur Smith. Roger had an older sister, Bette Lou Smith (Tanton), who predeceased him.

Raised in Ossining, NY, Roger attended Park Elementary and graduated from Ossining High School. He was baptized and confirmed in the Catholic Church during his childhood. He later attended Pace College in Pleasantville, NY, before starting his career with AT&T in White Plains, NY, where he worked in the Operations and Engineering departments until his retirement. Following his time at AT&T, Roger founded his own business, Colorado Golden Concepts, specializing in building custom homes in the Denver area.

Roger married Patricia Turner, and during their 18-year marriage, they welcomed four children: Kevin Robert, Karen Lynn, Stephen Kent, and Jeffrey Craig. They were active members of St. Patrick's Church in Yorktown Heights, NY. After his marriage to Patricia, Roger married Doris Burns Ellsworth, and together they raised a daughter, Kathryn Marie, alongside Doris's son, Matthew Ellsworth, from a previous marriage. Roger was proud to have a blended family of six children and was also blessed with 17 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, all of whom he cherished dearly.

After Doris retired from her career at AT&T, they enjoyed traveling, particularly on several cruises, and spent their winters in Jupiter, FL, and summers in the Adirondacks of NY. Both Roger and Doris had a profound faith, attending both Catholic and Lutheran churches throughout their lives.

Roger was predeceased by his parents, Fred and Gertrude Smith, his in-laws, Roy and Dorothy Burns, his sister Bette Lou Tanton, a brother-in-law, Wesley Roy Burns, and his son Matthew James Ellsworth, along with two grandsons Craig Michael Sutton and Joseph Kenneth Ventura and Granddaughter Eileen Catherine Smith. He will truly be missed by his family and friends. Known for his warmth, humor, wisdom, and rich storytelling, Roger will be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, and true friend. His legacy of faith, perseverance, love, and indomitable optimism will continue to inspire all who knew him.

He is survived by his devoted wife, Doris, and five of their children: Kevin Smith (Katie), Karen Sutton (Don), Stephen Smith (Mary Ann), Jeffrey Smith (Linda), and Kathryn Chaney (Jason). He is also survived by his 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren, as well as his sisters-in-law Suzan Simons (Garry), Marti Burns and their families.

Celebrations of Roger's life will be held in New York and Colorado. Memorial donations may be made in Roger's memory to Saint Anthony Hospice Foundation 11600 W. 2nd Place, Lakewood, Colorado 80228 or by calling 720-321-4310, or HeartoftheNation.org, or AbidingHope.org in Littleton, Colorado.