Terry Smith, former Farmingdale State Professor, Dies

Terry Smith, a retired math and mechanical engineering technology professor and college administrator at Farmingdale State College, died on March 30. The Farmingdale resident was 75.

The son of restaurant-owners, Smith grew up in farm country in northern Indiana, in Union Mills, which boasted 600 residents at the time.

Smith served in the U.S. Navy from 1956-1960, where he received specialized training in electronics. It was during this time that he determined he wanted to teach math and physics. He was inspired by speeches John F. Kennedy on the radio about the Peace Corps, which he served from 1964-1966 in Nigeria.

Smith earned a Bachelor of Science at Ball State University, and a Masters of Science at what is now LIU-Post. He began his teaching career at Farmingdale state College in 1969, hired first in the mathematics department, serving later as special assistant for campu relations, and then in the department of mechanical technology. In 1996, he was appointed dean of the School of Engineering Technologies, a role he held until 2001 when he decided to transfer back to the math department in 2001. He retired in March 2007.

Smith is survived by his wife, Linda Morabito Smith, stepson Steve Morabito, daughter Gabrielle Kuhn, and grandchildren Caleb and Chloe.

Smith was “a much loved member of the campus community,” a Farmingdale State College spokeswoman told Patch.

A memorial service will be held for Terry Smith on Saturday at McCourt & Trudden, at 385 Main St, in Farmingdale.