Lifelong West Babylon resident and 60-year West Babylon Fire Department member Irvin W. Smith died September 18, 2008. He was 82 years old and had served as captain in the department.

Born and raised in a home on Little East Neck Road in West Babylon, he helped build his own home on Bermuda Road in 1951. He and his wife, Audrey, raised their family and spent the rest of their lives there.

Mr. Smith served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and spent his professional career working for the New York State Department of Transportation where he helped build the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway and added lights along the Southern State Parkway.

After his 1985 retirement, he enjoyed boating, fishing and spending time with his beloved grandchildren. He was also a member of the American Legion Post 94 in Babylon.

"He was a dedicated member of the community who attended every function," said Charlie Spencer, also a member of the Legion who knew Mr. Smith.

Mr. Smith leaves behind his children: Donna Sowul and her husband Keith, Sandra Genova and her husband Rick and Douglas and his wife Jeanette. His grandchildren: Mark and Kevin Sowul, Holly and Megan Genova, Mark and Kevin also survive him. He was predeceased by his wife of 43 years, Audrey F. (nee Gager).

He reposed at the Claude R. Boyd Spencer Funeral Home, Babylon Village, on Sept. 20 and 21, 2008. A Funeral was held on Sep. 22, 2008 followed by interment in the Long Island National Cemetery, Pinelawn, with military honors and firematic services.

Donations in Mr. Smith's name can be sent to Make a Wish Foundation of Suffolk County, 100-1 Patco Court, Islandia, New York 11749 or to the American Heart Association, 1 Union Street, Suite 301, Robbinsville, New Jersey 08691.