DeVon (Dee) K. Smith, age 73, passed away at Strong Memorial Hospital on August 14, 2025, following several medical issues over the past few months.

DeVon leaves behind his sister, Diana Smith; his niece, Teri Smith and his former wife, Cheryl Smith, and her family. DeVon was predeceased by his parents, Glenn E. Smith and Theresa M. (Hilkert) Smith.

Dee spent his early years in Sturgis, Michigan, where he was born and raised, attending K - 12 there. His higher learning was at Central Michigan University, earning a double major in math and chemistry. He spent a 5th year at Michigan State University to obtain a degree in Chemical Engineering. Dee was selected by Eastman Kodak Company, where he spent over 32 years as a Product Engineer for film creation experiments and multi-million dollar manufacturing events.

Dee loved sports and excelled in basketball, baseball, football and track during his school years and beyond. He learned how to play golf at a very young age, tagging along with his father and friends to a golf club nearby. Golf became his favorite sport to play and he spent over forty years at Penfield Country Club.

While at Central Michigan University, he met his future wife of 43 years, Cheryl A. Amos, from Medina, NY. They, together, took many winter trips to enjoy warmer climates away from Rochester for a few rounds of golf and sightseeing. Cheryl’s family became Dee’s family since his parents died in 1981 and 1982. His only remaining relatives lived in Colorado and Indiana, making it difficult to see each other often.

Dee and Cheryl adopted in 2011, Cagney, a 3 month old pug, shih tzu puppy, who became a very loving pet to everyone she met. Dee and Cagney attended a program for training her to become a Therapy Dog, through Therapy Dogs International. They successfully passed and went on to nursing facilities and hospitals to bring joy to the residents. They also became a part of Reading Across America to be with children during their reading program. This brought such happiness and pride to Dee that he continued weekly visits for many years.

A celebration of Dee’s life will be held at a future time.

Dee chose Lollypop Farm, Humane Society of Greater Rochester, for donations in his memory. Their address is 99 Victor Road, Fairport, NY 14450.