It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Claude Benzing Smoyer on October 18, 2025, at the age of 91. Claude passed at home, surrounded by his wife and children. Claude was born on July 18, 1934, in Pittsburgh, PA, and lived in Webster, NY, and Ontario, Canada.

He is survived by his wife of 66 years, Joanne Weidemiller Smoyer, 4 daughters, Diedre (Paul), Karis (Don), Renee (Eric), and Michelle (Raymond), 14 grandchildren and 14 great-grandchildren, and sisters, Dwyn and Sandra.

Claude was a Korean War veteran serving in the Navy.  He received his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from the University of Rochester in Optics.  He also served as a past president of the Optical Society of Rochester. He had a 35-year career with Xerox in both Webster, NY, and Ontario, Canada.  Claude was a volunteer with Honor Flight.

A memorial service will be held on July 18, 2026, at 10am, at St Paul’s, Webster, NY.  

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Honor Flight. www.honorflight/donate