Thomas Smith Obituary

SMITH, Thomas C. Thomas C. Smith, 87, of Rocky Hill passed away peacefully on Thursday (May 27, 2004) at UCONN Medical Center, after a courageous battle with numerous medical difficulties. His loved ones are comforted by the knowledge that as he enters into eternal rest, he will be reunited with his beloved wife of 54 years, Claire (Squillacote), who passed away on February 1, 2004. Tom was born in New Britain on May 26, 1917. He attended New Britain schools and St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield. He was a World War II combat veteran, serving in the U.S. Army and achieving the rank of Master Sergeant. He participated in the Philippines liberation effort, and served in many other places around the world during the war. He was proud to have served his country, and proud to be an American. Tom married Claire in 1949 and they originally settled in Connecticut, raising four devoted children. Tom worked for Hartford Mack Truck for several years before moving to West Hollywood, FL in 1956, and working for Miami Mack Truck. In 1962 Tom and Claire and their children moved back to their home state of Connecticut settling in Rocky Hill where he spent the remainder of his life. He particularly enjoyed his time working for Better Brands in Wethersfield and Windsor until his retirement in 1986. Tom was a devoted family man, unselfish in all things. His way was kind, caring and unassuming, never seeking the spotlight, always putting his family first above everything else. Tom was a courageous man, who suffered through and survived many difficulties in his life, including the loss of his youngest daughter Marie to cancer in 1998. With Claire, he traveled around the world, most frequently to Ireland and Hawaii. He was fiercely proud of his Irish heritage, and loved Ireland's music, comedy and culture. He took tremendous pleasure in having traced his Irish roots to Cavan County. Tom loved the family parties, when family surrounded him, particularly on St. Patrick's Day. He loved all of his grandchildren dearly, singing songs to them and making them laugh. Tom was a devout Catholic and longtime communicant of St. James Roman Catholic Church in Rocky Hill. He will be missed dearly by all who had the pleasure of knowing this kind and caring man. Tom leaves the wonderful memory of his life to his surviving children, Patricia Smith of Las Vegas, NV, Michael and wife Judy Smith of South Windsor, Thomas Jr. and Lori Smith of Manchester; son-in-law William Leary of South Windsor; brother Brian Smith of Maryland; sisters Virginia Maxwell of Middletown and Louise Plucas of New Britain; special sister-in-law Marjorie Cote, currently of Bloomfield; grandchildren, Jason, Kyle, Matthew, Tommy and Shelby Smith, Kathryn and Alysa Leary; and many loving, nieces, nephews and friends. Besides his loving wife Claire, he was predeceased by his daughter Marie Smith Leary; brothers Frank and Philip Smith; sisters Elizabeth Smith and Margaret Peterson; and stepmother Margaret Smith. Funeral services will be held Thursday, June 3, at 9 a.m. from the D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Boulevard, Wethersfield, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 a.m. in St. James Roman Catholic Church at 767 Elm Street in Rocky Hill. Friends may call at the chapel on Wednesday June 2, from 4-8 p.m. Burial will be in St. Mary's Cemetery in New Britain. The family would like to express our heartfelt thanks to the doctors and nurses at UCONN Medical Center for their loving and compassionate care and concern for our departed loved one. For on-line expressions of sympathy please visit www.desopo.com