Alfred J. and Margaret (Belgarde) Smith of Norfolk celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on June 12, 2019.
They were married June 12, 1954 in St. Raymond’s Church, Raymondville, with Rev. Wilfred Nugent presiding. Their reception was at LaVigne’s Hotel, Norfolk.
Alfred is a former U.S. Air Force drill instructor. He spent two years at Sampson Air Force Base, Geneva, and two years at Park Air Force Base in California. Margaret was employed with the New York Telephone Company in Syracuse and moved to California in 1955 to be with Alfred. In 1956, they opened Smith’s Store in Norfolk, and can still be seen there hanging out.
They have six children: David Smith of Rochester; George Smith and his wife, Nataliya, of Norfolk; Karen DeCare and her husband, Mark, of Norfolk; Randy Smith of Pennsylvania; Sue Smith of Albany; and Tammy Sweet and Larry Villnave of Norfolk. They also have 13 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren.
Al was voted one of the Top 10 Jay Cees in New York State in 1964. He was part of the push to re-open the Norfolk paper mill in the 1960s. He is a past Mason, a Shriner, an American Legion member, a member of the Norfolk Lions Club, and a lay speaker at the Methodist Church. Al enjoyed lay speaking, enjoyed traveling, and spoiling his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Peg played semi-pro softball in Syracuse for three years. She is an ardent baseball fan and loves sports. She was active in the Altar and Rosary, American Legion Auxiliary, and Color Guard. She enjoyed volunteer work, gardening, traveling, and floor shuffleboard.
