Denise R. Smestad

Denise R. Smestad of Long Eddy, NY a lifelong area resident, died Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at her home. She was 55.

The daughter of the late Gerald C. and Margaret Minckler, she was born August 14, 1970 in Honesdale, PA.

Denise dedicated 29 years to Jeff Bank, where she worked as a Loan Servicing and Collections Representative III. During her career, she played an active role in the bank's Wellness Committee and RISE program. Denise cherished the outdoors and especially enjoyed kayaking, paddleboarding, and collecting rocks at her home on Sandy Pond, NY. She also volunteered for many years with Girl Scout Troop 356.

Survivors include her husband, Erik Smestad, at home; her sisters, Darlene Minckler of Damascus, PA, Diane Carpenter of Satsuma, FL and Deborah Arnold and her husband Alan of Long Eddy, NY; her brother, Gerald "Buddy" Minckler Jr. and his wife Connie of Long Eddy, NY; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Celebration of life will be held on Saturday August 1, 2026 at 1pm at the Stone Arch Bridge Historical Park, 25 Stone Arch Road, Kenoza lake, NY 12750.

Memorial contributions in Denise's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

Dignified cremation provided by Harris Crematorium LLC. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Harris Funeral Home, Railroad Ave. Roscoe, NY 607-498-4929 or 845-439-5200 or www.Harris-FH.com