The athletics department is sad to announce that Gary Smith, the former Associate Athletic Director at CCNY has passed away due to complications during his courageous fight against cancer. He was truly an inspiration to many and will sorely be missed.
Obituary
Gary Smith, the only child of Milton Smith was born on Thanksgiving Day, November 24, 1948. He departed this life on January 27, 2010. Gary attended PS 96, JHS 135 and Christopher Columbus High School in the Bronx. Gary earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Master of Science Degrees in Physical Education from Lehman College. He acquired his second Masters in Education Administration from The City College of New York.
Gary enjoyed teaching Physical Education at Roberto Clemente MS 166. Gary was dedicated to empowering ad motivating everyone who sought his guidance and was extremely dedicated to the personal and professional success of his team players and students. Gary began his college Basketball coaching career in 1973 at west Side High School. From 1977-1980 he coached at York College, 1980-1981 he coached at Lehman College and from 1981-1988 he was the coach of the renowned Women's Basketball Team at The City College of New York where he received four COnference Coach of the Year Awards. In 1988 Gary became the Men's Basketball COach at The City College of New York where he remained until he retired in 1988. Gary felt blessed to do his dream job and loved Athletics in every aspects.
Gary had a great marriage to "Val", his lovely wife of 28 years. Together, Gary and Val enjoyed traveling, attending concerts and plays, and dining. Gary was a devoted son and husband, as well as a dedicated father, son-in-law, uncle and grandfather. He was often seen throughout the neighborhood going out for his morning jog, running errands, bringing his family to and fro. Gary loved the Lord and accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Saviour. Gary was a great friend, and mentor and loved by many. He will truly be missed.
Gary is survived by his father Milton, his wife Valerie, daughters Shelby, Melanie and Natalie. His very special children, "Solo" and "Lani", Callie and Nathan. His mother and father-in-law, Anita and Hery Graham, and Sylvia Duncan (Randy), brother-in-law Spencer Graham. A host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and neighbors.
Gary faced many challenges in life but never gave up. He worked hard for all of his accomplishments even in the face of major adversities. His determination and ethics lead to his many successes.
Gary proudly acknowledge being a member of the Basketball Coaches Association of New York State, the Black Coaches Association, the NCAA Strategic Alliance Grant Committee, the ECAC Division III Men's Basketball Selection Committee and the ECAC Division III Men's Volleyball Selection Committee.
Some of the many awards and recognitions that he received were the induction into the CCNY Hall of Fame in the sport of Women's Basketball, the David Wittes Award from the UFT for Outstanding Courage and Commitment to students, the Audrey Chasin Award from the NYC Board of Education for a Career of Outstanding COntribution to the Field of Education, he was the keynote speaker at the fourth Annual Conflict Resolution Conference, St. John's University, a graduate of the NCAA Leadership Institute for Ethnic and Minorit Males, and the 2007 Mark Asa Abbott Award for his dedicated service as coach, administrator and mentor.