Charles "Chuck" Glenn Smith

Chuck Smith passed away on January 14, 2025. He was 54 years old. Chuck was a loving son, father, and brother. At 6’9”, he towered in strength, but his friends and family called him a gentle giant. He was well-known as kind, generous, and humorous while proudly displaying a healthy dose of irreverence.

He was born at Rex Hospital in Raleigh, North Carolina in 1970. He learned to love the outdoors as a child, including hunting and fishing. He was also fascinated by taking things apart and sometimes could put things back together again! He grew up in the Baptist Church and maintained his Christian beliefs. His mother describes him as a “sweet, loving, young boy.” As a toddler, he watched Sesame Street on television and fell in love with New York City. He imagined living in an urban neighborhood, with food, adventure, and the big city lights. Growing up, he played soccer and football and performed with the saxophone at Sanderson High School in Raleigh, NC.

Despite his mild-mannered personality, Chuck also had a wild side. As a teenager, he may have conducted amateur science experiments testing mailboxes' abilities to contain fireworks. He could be heard blasting Beastie Boys music as an avid World of Warcraft gamer and original D&D fan.

After high school, he followed his calling to move away from the South and began a career in New York City in 1992. He built his life in the borough of Queens working for PNM Elevator, Morgan Elevator Company, and BP Elevator. He worked as an elevator repair mechanic and became well-known with the city inspectors for his excellent workmanship. His manager at BP Elevator called him their “go-to guy” because he could successfully manage any job. He was also a Local Union No. 3 International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) member.

In 1997, he fell in love and married Carmen Kern. They lived in the Queens Ridgewood neighborhood and celebrated their child's birth, Nic Smith, in 1999. Chuck worked long hours and extra shifts to provide for his young family. He loved and was very close to Nic. Together, they cared for Carmen during her long battle with cancer that ended in 2012. Chuck said, “in my heart, she will live forever.”

Mr. Smith is predeceased by his wife, Carmen Smith. He is survived by his child Nic Smith of Queens, NY; father, Charles Smith of Red Bud, NC; mother Sandra Vance and stepfather Alex Vance of Louisburg, NC; sister Rose-Marie Shigas; brother-in-law Chris Shigas, and nieces Cameron and Caroline Shigas of Atlanta, GA.

His life will be celebrated Saturday, January 18 from 4pm to 6pm at Neufeld Funeral Home, 8804 43rd Avenue Elmhurst, NY 11373.

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