OBITUARIES

The Legacy of Norman “Care God” Life
1947 - 2025

Norman Joseph Smith, also known as “Care God,” entered into eternal rest on December 20th, 2025, at Mid-Hudson Regional Hospital in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., surrounded by loving family and friends. He was born on September 29, 1947, in Newburgh, N.Y., to the late Alton Smith and Christine Davis Smith.

In 1972, Norman worked on the Newburgh Beacon Bridge. In 1974, Norman was instrumental in opening the first Five Percent Nation of Islam School in Newburgh, N.Y.

Norman started the first music program at New Paltz College. He came to Albany in 1996, where he began his journey with Narcotics Anonymous. His clean date was December 4, 1996. He attended AmeriCorps, returned to school, and earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from Sage College in Albany. He also attended Hudson Valley Community College and Sage College.

Norman worked at St. Peter’s College as an Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counselor from 2000 to 2018, when he retired. He then moved to Poughkeepsie, N.Y., and became a faithful member of Narcotics Anonymous, continuing to help people nationwide.

Norman leaves to cherish his memories: three daughters, Gemista Smith, Careasia Smith, and Precious Smith, all of Newburgh, N.Y.; three sons, Andrew Walker of Pennsylvania, U-Care God Allah of Middletown, and Cornelius Smith of Newburgh, N.Y.; four sisters, Carol Smith of Beacon, N.Y., Fanny Washington of Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Betty Burks of Connecticut, and Adeline Haynes of Newburgh, N.Y.; one brother, Barry Smith (Keva) of Schenectady, N.Y.; sixteen grandchildren he loved unconditionally and one great-grandson.

Two sons predeceased him, I Care God Allah and Mahdi Ya Care Supreme Allah; two brothers, Richard “Kimbu” Smith and Louise Smith; and a host of nieces and nephews who referred to him lovingly as Uncle Stormman.