Chris Smith
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Chris Smith, 46, passed peacefully with his family by his side early Friday morning in the comfort of his home. Born in Philadelphia on June 29, 1980 to David Smith and Donna Bacchi-Smith, he had been a resident of Syracuse for almost 20 years.
Chris had fought a valiant battle with colon cancer for just over 5 years.
He was a graduate of Cornell University, and earned his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin. He was a practicing real estate attorney in N. Syracuse. Prior to establishing his law firm in N. Syracuse he was an ADA in Minnesota.
Chris was a dedicated member of the March of Dimes; and was honored to be recognized as a super lawyer rising star in real estate in 2014. He was a member of the Onondaga County and NYS Bar Associations.
He was an avid hunter and outdoorsman; and car enthusiast. He was just shy of being one of just 173 hunters to have ever earned the title of North American Super Slam.
His family includes his wife Leah Pekarsky, his parents David and Donna, his sister Jocelyn (Ryan) Midgett, niece Addison, nephew Cameron, his grandfather Louis Bacchi, uncles Douglas Smith, Louis (Patti Mullins) Bacchi, and James (Coco Chiang) Bacchi; aunt Debbie Smith, his sister-in-law Alicia Pekarsky (Scott Dawson), brother-in-law Ben (Kelley) Pekarsky; Nieces Nyah, and Julia; nephews Matthew, Elijah, Cooper, Michael, and Richard; mother-law Linda Pekarsky; Adrianna Rosser who he raised as his own daughter; and his cousin Kayleigh (Mike) Lewis.
His daughter Zoey Rae passed in 2020 leaving a gaping hole in everyone’s life.
Funeral services will begin promptly at 3PM on Monday, October 12 at Sisskind Funeral Chapel, 3175 E. Genesee Street. The service will be live streamed on the Sisskind Funeral Service Facebook page beginning at 3PM on Monday.
Contributions in lieu of flowers may be made to www.thewolfmountainnaturecenter.org
Message of Sympathy
Post a Message of Sympathy
It was such a pleasure to know Chris! He appeared to be always on his game doing the best at everything. I met him through Leah, his amazing wife, and the two of them were really stronger and better together. What a great pleasure it was to know them separately and together! Chris will be truly missed and my thoughts and my heart + prayers for those that are left behind as this angel makes his way to his final resting place. Love and peace to those that have supported him his whole life and are here to share our mutual experiences together!
Written by Patty Hart
2026-10-10 10:02:45 PM
Only once in a lifetime two people with opposite backgrounds come together like we did. The Outdoors brought us together, always taught us alot, and we never took anything for granted. Gonna miss our time, but ill see ya again buddy...enjoy The Big Hunt and please save some for me up there!
Written by Travis Shumski
2026-10-10 10:42:31 PM
To Chris's Family and Friends: On behalf of the officers and members of the Syracuse Corvette Club, we join in extending our sincere heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, during this most difficult time. May happier memories help to sustain you and bring you comfort through this period of sorrow, and may the joy and laughter of his life, far outweigh the pain of his passing. He will indeed be missed, but never forgotten. James Ennis, President
Written by James Ennis
2026-10-10 12:24:25 AM
To the Family and Friends of Chris: We join in extending our sincere heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this most difficult time. May happier memories help to sustain you and bring you comfort through this period of sorrow. And may God grant him his wings as he soars to a place where he is free from all pain. With love and prayers, Jim Ennis & Sandra Winkworth
Written by James Ennis
2026-10-10 12:26:30 AM
Leah, my heart is absolutely broken for you. If you need anything please reach out. 💔
Written by Samantha DiGiralamo
2026-10-10 1:05:03 AM
Leah,David and Donna. I send my condolences on your great loss to your family. NICK PIRRO
Written by Nicholas J.Pirro
2026-10-10 2:02:35 AM
Dear Donna, David and family. It is so difficult to understand why such hardships happen to loving families and good people. We can only take some comfort that those we have lost have a presence among us that remains, in a different way. Your love and strength helped get Chris through his struggle. Stay strong for each other and know that so many of your family and friends love and support you.
Written by Marie Gleason
2026-10-10 2:29:50 AM
Words cannot begin to express how my heart aches for Leah, and Chriss'parents/family. Chris was always ready with a warm smile, hello, and hug. He was passionate about all that mattered to him, and it showed in everything he did. You are all in my head, heart, and prayers for comfort and healing. I'm sure he was welcomed with open arms by Zoe, and hopefully that's some peace in healing.
Written by Kimberly LaFrance
2026-10-10 5:52:47 PM
Dear Leah, Jill and I were deeply saddened to hear about Chris's passing. Honestly, the news feels a bit numbing, and it is hard to find the right words at a time like this. Chris was a wonderful person, a dedicated father, and an exceptional attorney who held the utmost respect from everyone who worked with him. He will be deeply missed. Please know that Jill, myself, and our entire office team are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything at all we can do to support you. With heartfelt sympathy, Allen & Jill Olmsted
Written by Allen and Jill Olmsted
2026-10-10 6:08:08 PM
This is a test
Written by Steven Sisskind
2026-10-11 12:01:00 AM
Chris and I have gone through separate but similar journeys. He did things his way, the right way. I miss the way he made me smile. I feel privileged that he shared his adventures with me. I wish he had the opportunity for many more.
Written by Dana Grillo
2026-10-11 12:03:33 AM
One of the nicest guys Tammie and I have meet, warm, friendly & a true car guy too... He'll be truly miss by all 😔
Written by Marc Osmun
2026-10-11 5:47:31 PM
It was a pleasure to know and work for Chris and I appreciateall he has done for me. He is an inspiration to have endured all he went through and how hard he fought. I pray he is now at peace with Zoe. I have missed Zoe and I will miss Chris too. My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. 🥹🙏❤️
Written by Ellen Taylor
2026-10-12 2:05:22 PM
We never got to meet Chris personally but through your shared stories over the years and in reading his bio it is obvious he was a really cool guy. We are deeply sorry for your lose. We pray that the memories, joy and love that Chris's life blessed you with will soothe the sorrow in your hearts.
Written by Bill & Virginia Smith
2026-10-12 4:24:32 PM
Post a Message of Sympathy
It was such a pleasure to know Chris! He appeared to be always on his game doing the best at everything. I met him through Leah, his amazing wife, and the two of them were really stronger and better together. What a great pleasure it was to know them separately and together! Chris will be truly missed and my thoughts and my heart + prayers for those that are left behind as this angel makes his way to his final resting place. Love and peace to those that have supported him his whole life and are here to share our mutual experiences together!
Written by Patty Hart
2026-10-10 10:02:45 PM
Only once in a lifetime two people with opposite backgrounds come together like we did. The Outdoors brought us together, always taught us alot, and we never took anything for granted. Gonna miss our time, but ill see ya again buddy...enjoy The Big Hunt and please save some for me up there!
Written by Travis Shumski
2026-10-10 10:42:31 PM
To Chris's Family and Friends: On behalf of the officers and members of the Syracuse Corvette Club, we join in extending our sincere heartfelt sympathy to you and your family, during this most difficult time. May happier memories help to sustain you and bring you comfort through this period of sorrow, and may the joy and laughter of his life, far outweigh the pain of his passing. He will indeed be missed, but never forgotten. James Ennis, President
Written by James Ennis
2026-10-10 12:24:25 AM
To the Family and Friends of Chris: We join in extending our sincere heartfelt sympathy to you and your family during this most difficult time. May happier memories help to sustain you and bring you comfort through this period of sorrow. And may God grant him his wings as he soars to a place where he is free from all pain. With love and prayers, Jim Ennis & Sandra Winkworth
Written by James Ennis
2026-10-10 12:26:30 AM
Leah, my heart is absolutely broken for you. If you need anything please reach out. 💔
Written by Samantha DiGiralamo
2026-10-10 1:05:03 AM
Leah,David and Donna. I send my condolences on your great loss to your family. NICK PIRRO
Written by Nicholas J.Pirro
2026-10-10 2:02:35 AM
Dear Donna, David and family. It is so difficult to understand why such hardships happen to loving families and good people. We can only take some comfort that those we have lost have a presence among us that remains, in a different way. Your love and strength helped get Chris through his struggle. Stay strong for each other and know that so many of your family and friends love and support you.
Written by Marie Gleason
2026-10-10 2:29:50 AM
Words cannot begin to express how my heart aches for Leah, and Chriss'parents/family. Chris was always ready with a warm smile, hello, and hug. He was passionate about all that mattered to him, and it showed in everything he did. You are all in my head, heart, and prayers for comfort and healing. I'm sure he was welcomed with open arms by Zoe, and hopefully that's some peace in healing.
Written by Kimberly LaFrance
2026-10-10 5:52:47 PM
Dear Leah, Jill and I were deeply saddened to hear about Chris's passing. Honestly, the news feels a bit numbing, and it is hard to find the right words at a time like this. Chris was a wonderful person, a dedicated father, and an exceptional attorney who held the utmost respect from everyone who worked with him. He will be deeply missed. Please know that Jill, myself, and our entire office team are holding you and your family in our thoughts and prayers. Please don't hesitate to reach out if there is anything at all we can do to support you. With heartfelt sympathy, Allen & Jill Olmsted
Written by Allen and Jill Olmsted
2026-10-10 6:08:08 PM
This is a test
Written by Steven Sisskind
2026-10-11 12:01:00 AM
Chris and I have gone through separate but similar journeys. He did things his way, the right way. I miss the way he made me smile. I feel privileged that he shared his adventures with me. I wish he had the opportunity for many more.
Written by Dana Grillo
2026-10-11 12:03:33 AM
One of the nicest guys Tammie and I have meet, warm, friendly & a true car guy too... He'll be truly miss by all 😔
Written by Marc Osmun
2026-10-11 5:47:31 PM
It was a pleasure to know and work for Chris and I appreciateall he has done for me. He is an inspiration to have endured all he went through and how hard he fought. I pray he is now at peace with Zoe. I have missed Zoe and I will miss Chris too. My thoughts, prayers and love are with all of you. 🥹🙏❤️
Written by Ellen Taylor
2026-10-12 2:05:22 PM
We never got to meet Chris personally but through your shared stories over the years and in reading his bio it is obvious he was a really cool guy. We are deeply sorry for your lose. We pray that the memories, joy and love that Chris's life blessed you with will soothe the sorrow in your hearts.
Written by Bill & Virginia Smith
2026-10-12 4:24:32 PM