Obituary in The Middletown Press, 5 April 2010
Thomas Charles Smith, born in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., Oct. 29, 1943, died peacefully at home March 31, 2010, after fighting a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was surrounded with the love of his family and friends and his little dog, Nubby, by his side.
Tom graduated from F. D. Roosevelt High School in Hyde Park, N.Y., in 1964, where he met and married Antonia (Toni) D. Mancuso. He was the proud father and so much loved by his son, Thomas Lloyd, and his daughter, Toni Marie. “Boppy” was adored and respected by his grandchildren, Christopher, 21, and Brittany Marie, 19. They will carry his wisdom and guidance always. Tom is also much loved and respected by brothers, Lloyd “Pete” Smith, Brian Mack, and sisters, Marleen Slaymaker and June Brunow, and also by many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Tom was predeceased by his father, Lloyd Ezra Smith, and his mother, Hazel Devereaux Smith.
After moving to Connecticut in 1968, Tom was employed by the F.J. Dahill Structural Restoration and Renovation Company in New Haven for 42 years. He worked as an estimator and special projects manager, taking pride in everything he’d do. He loved and respected them and considered them very much his second family. He represented his company proudly as an officer in many trade organizations locally and nationally. Tom has been very active all his life and always believed that “one man could make all the difference.” In Clinton, he served on the Zoning Board of Appeals, Republican Town Committee and also served as coordinator in Clinton as for the 2nd district congressman for two of his election cycles. Tom played an instrumental part in the construction of the new Clinton Police Headquarters. He was a member of the Clinton Historical Society. He attended the University of New Haven, studying business administration and history, and attended classes of interest throughout his life. He was also proud to serve with the Sons of the Union Veterans and the Sons of the American Revolution. Tom was very much a genealogist and for the last 20 years, researching with the Sackett Name Family Association, and had coordinated trips to Salt Lake City Family History Library, Boston and England, from where the family originated. He was also DNA project manager, registrar, vice president, and, in 2009, became president of the association. He belonged to the Connecticut Society of Genealogists, New England Historical and Genealogical Society, National Genealogical Society and also sat on the Board of Trustees at the Godfrey Library Family History Center in Middletown; he also belonged to the Society of the Middletown First Settlers Descendants (1650-1700), and the Descendants of The Mayflower Society. He was also affiliated with the Elks Club in Westbrook. Tom was and avid reader, especially of historical novels. He and Toni enjoyed traveling to far away places and were avid scuba divers. He served as a dive master at a local shop for several years and had certification as a master diver and also in altitude, depth and underwater photography as well. He and Toni were looking forward to participating in an underwater archeological “dig” this spring. Tom always enjoyed gardening and the log home that he built as a family project in 1987 and especially spending time with his beloved grandchildren. The loves of his life were his family and his country. He served in the U.S. Navy and always believed in the statement that “We will not waiver: we will not tire; we will not falter; and we will not fail. Peace and freedom will prevail.”
Donations in Tom’s name could be made to Middlesex Hospice and Palliative Care in Middletown, and to the ASPCA or any animal rescue organization of your choice. The family wants to especially thank Tom’s nurses, Evelyn and Angela, for the loving care and support that they gave to all of us at the most difficult time of our lives. Family and friends may visit Swan Funeral Home, 80 E. Main St., Clinton, Tuesday April 6, from 5 to 8 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Wednesday at 11 a.m. at St. Mary of the Visitation in Clinton. Interment will follow with full military honors. Please visit www.swanfh.com for tributes and condolences.
TSFA members' tributes
Liesa Frank Ted Marian—
"Toni & Family,
I am sure you all know but Tom was a very special person and his passing will be noticed and he will be greatly missed. He was a great person and I feel lucky to have known him.
Liesa & Frank Robarge
Theodore & Marian Sinkewiz"
Darlene Sackett—
"Toni and family,
Tom was a true genealogical inspiration to me! I will always be grateful for the assistance he gave me in learning more about my own family history and more fully understanding the DNA study in which my father participated. He will be greatly missed by all of us in The Sackett Family Association.
Darlene Sackett and Jon Tabor"
Kari Roehl—
"Toni and family,
I am saddened to hear of Tom's untimely death. Although I had not met him in "person", I communicated with him numerous times via email. His intelligence and guidance were invaluable. I enjoyed "talking" with him and know his contributions to The Sackett Family Association are priceless. With heavy heart, my sympathy goes out to you and your family. In your sadness remember that he touched so many lives and that he is with his heavenly Father and can finally meet the ancestors he so desired to know. My prayers are with you. God Bless. Kari Roehl"
Nancy Cluff Siders—
"I myself and I'm sure other members of the Sackett Mailing List as well as the family's association will critically miss Tom Smith, the compromiser of the group.
In reading the obituary, I find he was more special than we ever realized.
We'll never forget you, Tom!!
Nancy and Bill Siders
Roswell, NM"
George & Arabella Sackett—
"A gentleman in every sense of the word. We here in the UK will miss , this dearly loved man . He left behind a trail of happy days and miles of smiles. Toni you and the family are in our hearts and in our thoughts. George and Pip and the Sackett family in the UK. God Bless"
Chris Sackett—
"As well as corresponding with him over many years, I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Tom at several Sackett reunions. I remember him with great affection. Always kindly, courteous, and helpful, he had a gentle dry sense of humor. He was passionate about Sackett history and worked hard for The Sackett Family Association for many years, eventually taking on the presidency a year ago. His enthusiasm was infectious, encouraging others to do their bit as well. It's quite a knack to make the other guy feel good. Tom had that knack. It makes me feel good to think of myself as one of his friends."