Frederick Smith

Smith, Frederic (Fred) C.J.. outstanding Long Island educator/coach, died on September 1, 2012 in Wilmington, NC, where he retired to a life of golf and good friends.
Fred was born August 15, 1937, a son of Mildred Sujeski Smith and Victor A. Smith. His athletic interests and talents were demonstrated in his home community of Glen Cove on both town and school teams. While lettering in three sports at Glen Cove High School, he decided to develop his passion for sports into a career. He earned a BS in Physical Education at Cortland State, now SUNY Cortland, and participated in both football and track. He later earned a Masters in Guidance from Hofstra University.
His first teaching/coaching job was at Friends Academy in Locust Valley in 1959 and, in 1961, became the varsity football coach. In 1967 and 1968, he taught and coached football at Cold Spring Harbor before transitioning to Locust Valley Schools in 1969, where he taught Physical Education and health, coached many teams, was Athletic Director, and varsity football coach until his retirement in 1999.
Fred had a remarkable career, impacting many students and their families, as well as fellow professionals. His love and knowledge of sport and belief in the value of team play upon healthy student growth and development were an inspiration to all. His accomplishments were recognized by his induction into the Glen Cove Hall of Fame, the dedication of Locust Valley's football field to Fred Smith in 2007, and his selection as the inaugural member of the Locust Valley Athletic Hall of Fame to be instituted in October of 2012.
Over a 38 year varsity football coaching career, he had 202 wins, placing him third in Nassau County history, and fourth in Long Island history. He had 9 Division or Conference Championships, 3 Nassau County Championships, 1 Metropolitan Private School Championship, and 3 undefeated seasons.
During his recent illness, many former players and colleagues have shared favorite memories and how he has influenced them, stating he was a mentor, role model, and trusted friend. Their comments were a source of comfort to him and his family.
Fred is survived by his wife of 52 years Virginia (Gini) Wunsch Smith, daughters Holly Kromer and husband Randy of N. Huntingdon, PA, and Kimberly Smith of Bethpage, NY; son Kevin Smith and friend Sarah Gilroy of Bayville, NY; sister Phyllis Johanson and husband Walle of St. James, NC; and many loving nephews, nieces, grandnephews and nieces, cousins, and aunt Doris Spalding of San Jose, CA. A brother, Victor A. Smith of Glen Cove, NY, predeceased him in 1981.
The family will receive visitors on Saturday and Sunday from 2 - 4 & 7 - 9 pm at Whitting Funeral Home 300 Glen Cove Ave., Glen Head, NY 11545. Funeral Service Monday 10:00 am at the funeral home. Interment Locust Valley Cemetery, Locust Valley, NY. Memorial gifts may be sent to Falcon Pride Booster Club, P.O. Box 283, Locust Valley, NY 11560.