Siena professor of 40 years, Paul J. Smith, Ph.D. 80, passed away on Wednesday, July 11. He graduated from Christian Brothers Academy in Albany, received his undergraduate degree from Siena College and his doctorate in organic chemistry from Florida State University.
Smith was head of the chemistry department at Siena, where he taught chemistry.
Smith was a lifelong coin collector and member of the American Numismatic Association. He was also a member of the American Chemical Society, and was a communicant of St. Francis Chapel and the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.
He is remembered for his generosity and the guidance he provided to his students during his time at the College.
“He was my faculty advisor, mentor, and professor during my studies at Siena from 1968-72. He always gave me terrific advice, and alongside Dr. William Tangredi helped me to become a high school chemistry and physics teacher in Albany High School for 37 years…I always enjoyed his lectures and labs. I also enjoyed our Chemistry Club’s social gatherings and speaking with him,” posted Larry Smith ’72.