Robert F. Smith
Robert F. Smith, professor emeritus of government, died October 9, 2018. He was 93.
Bob taught in the Department of Government (now Political Science) from 1960 until his retirement in 1987. He specialized in political philosophy and international politics.
Colleagues recalled Bob’s support for young faculty, whom he encouraged in their teaching and scholarship.  “It is that important ingredient of mentorship of both students and junior faculty that remains a hallmark of the department he joined and helped to build in its infancy nearly 60 years ago,” said Jean Monnet Professor of Political Science Emeritus Roy H. Ginsberg.
Born in LaFollette, Tennessee, Bob earned his bachelor’s degree from Maryville College, his master’s from the University of Tennessee and his doctorate from the University of Chicago. He also served in the Navy.
Bob was buried at the Greenwich Cemetery. He and his late wife, Barbara E. Smith, professor emerita and a longtime reference librarian at Skidmore who died in 2016, were remembered at a memorial service at Skidmore’s Wilson Chapel. Survivors include sons Michael and Kevin, their wives Gina and Lynn, granddaughter Emily, and other relatives.