HORNELL PAYS FINAL RESPECTS TO A MARINE HERO WHO DIED IN COMBAT

Community gathers to mourn Lance Cpl. Zach Smith.

St. Ann's Church in Hornell was overflowing with family, friends and wellwishers of Lance Corporal Zach Smith.  U.S. Marines and New York State Police were also present for the funeral.  The funeral Mass was offered by Father Peter Angalaare, the sermon was given by Father Shawn DeMaria, who recalled the life and times of the 19 year old marine who died in action in Afghanistan. 

During the sermon, Father DeMaria told a story about how Smith, while working in his high school years at Wegman's in Hornell, paid for someone's grocery bill.  "How about the woman...an elderly woman, who couldn't find her checkbook, to pay for the groceries?  What did Zach do?  Takes out his debit card and paid for them." 

Father DeMaria also quoted the Gospel of St. John.  "There is no greater love than to lay down ones life for ones friends, Zach did just that," Father DeMaria said.

Smith's former football coach Gene Mastin lauded Smith's character and gave several examples of "toughness" that he had seen him display on and off the field.  Hornell Mayor Shawn Hogan said that Smith went to Afghanistan not as a warrior but as a peacemaker, and that he was there to help make the world a better place.  Both Zach Smith's brother Nate and mother spoke as well.  His mother Kim thanked the community for its outpouring of support and explained what a blessing it was to be the mother of such a wonderful son.

Monday and Tuesday, thousands visited the Dagon Funeral home to offer condolences---many waiting as much as two hours in the cold along Church and Genesee Streets before entering the funeral home.

Smith was married to the former Anne Deebs, who survives.