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G. Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for G. Smith
Wanda (Kress) Circle
August 11, 2008
Nikki - I have not talked to you for so long but have thought of you often. I was shocked to see the notice of Tony's passing. Seeing your name and the names of so many of your family members brought back so many memories and it made me feel so sad to think of your loss. I also have a son who is 29 and can't imagine how difficult this time must be for you. I can tell by the other entries that you have a close and loving family and that you must be very proud of the son you raised. My thoughts and prayers will continue to be with you.
Dixie Baker
August 6, 2008
Dearest Nicki and family;
I can't imagine how difficult it must be for all of you to be without your beloved Tony. From reading this guest book, it is easy to understand why so many people loved Tony. It seems that he was an inspiration to everyone who met him and I am not surprised. Knowing your wonderful family, he was raised to have strong ethics, a sense of obligation to help the world, creativity and passion for what he loved. From all of the Baker's, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Gervaise Dynes-Wolak
June 27, 2008
Dear Nikki and John:
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. In reading the previous testimonials, it's clear that you had a great son and he will be missed by many. I have you in my prayers, and as one who lost someone close recently, my heart goes out to you.
With deepest sympathy,
Gervaise
Mary Eppert
June 27, 2008
Nikki,
I have started to make this entry on a number of occasions not really sure how to put the words down on paper...but here it goes. I send my sincerest sympathy to you and your family. As I read through these entries, and the memories and stories that have been shared there is one thing that is without a doubt...Tony is one extraordinary man that has left this earth wanting us to have more of him. I hope that we each can do just alittle more of what Tony taught us...give more to the people that need it most. Remember this world is what we make it, and kindness is contagious. Nikki, the words about Tony remind me so much of my own memories of Gary. Your's and Gary's true compassion to everyone that you touch is alive and well in everyone that you still reach out to today, and in the values you have obviously instilled in each of your children. Our prayers and love are with you all.
Mary Merullo Eppert
Nancy Emery Neamtu
June 26, 2008
Dear Smith Family,
I am so sorry to hear of Tony's passing. I have no doubt he impacted many student's lives like his father. Gary was my summer school Speech teacher and my cross country and track coach in 1981 - 1982 and he's one of the few adults I remember from my high school years. Your family is in the thoughts and prayers of the entire Bruce Emery family.
Hilary Mertaugh
June 26, 2008
Dear Niki, Catherine and Yyvone,
It’s taken me a long time to be able to write a testimonial about Tony. He was a focal point of my life for many years, and although we had grown apart as our lives took us in different directions, he continued to be a large presence in my life through the impact he made on how I understand the world and how to live in it. Through the time and love that we shared together, he had become a part of me, as he did with everyone he loved. I love Tony immensely, perhaps more than I knew how to handle at the young age when we were together. He taught me a great many things through the example that he set in his life and how he lived it. Tony remains to this day the most genuine person I have ever met. He was genuine in his interactions with others and in his approach to living. He truly lived a life that was all his own. He lived it according to his unique philosophies about how the world operates, and according to his own moral code of treating each human being as equal, interesting, and worthy of love and compassion. He cared deeply for his fellow humans, and that compassion showed itself in the gentle, humble manner through which he related to each person he interacted with, be they his family, friends, students or even complete strangers. Tony was an inspiration to me in his drive to explore the gritty corners and overgrown parts of this country, his drive to create his artwork, musical instruments and writing, and his drive to love that was expressed through his relations with others and his dedication to his students. You raised a truly exceptional human being, and although his presence on this earth will be deeply missed by those whose lives he touched, he lives on in each of us who loved Tony in all that he taught us.
Lisa Zelnik-Lucas
June 25, 2008
Dear Gnezda Family,
I can only imagine the deep sense of loss and emptiness you are all feeling. I have been praying that you will all find the strenghth needed to survive this very difficult time.
Barbara Armitage
June 25, 2008
Dear Niki,
I am shocked and so sad to hear of Tony's passing. He was always so full of life! He was a wonderful and fun person. Though I haven't been in touch for many years, it is no surprise that the gentle, smiling young man I knew became a caring and well-loved adult, and a powerful presence in his student's lives. Please extend my deepest sympathies to your children and family. The world has lost a gentle soul, and we will miss him.
Emily Larson
June 25, 2008
My condolences to Tony's family. Tony was my classmate in my freshman tutorial at Grinnell. From the very first day of class Tony's drive to question and challenge the world around him stood out. He will be greatly missed.
Andy Gilbert
June 25, 2008
When I first moved to Evening Street Elementary in 1st grade, Tony was one of the first kids to be my friend. He taught me everything about collecting and trading baseball cards... and why Mike Schmidt was the greatest player ever... Tony always made me laugh and his messy desk was the stuff that legends were made of back in 4th grade... Tony was smart, athletic, funny and above all a really caring person. I am so saddened by his sudden passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Michael Mertaugh
June 25, 2008
Tony came into our lives as the friend of our daughter, Hilary, over the space of several post-Grinnell years. He came to our house in McLean, Virginia several times during that period, and my wife and I were guests of Tony and Hilary when they lived in their walk-up apartment at the top of the hill on Charles Street, in Baltimore. I did not know Tony well, but he left with me the impression of a shy romantic – a person who dreamt of a simpler, quieter world than we inhabit today, and who lived a life that was true to his ideals. He was a welcome addition to our urban environment of jet-setting people with large ambitions and even larger pretensions. Tony had none of that (which must be one of the reasons that he was so loved by his students.) He was a gentle person. Like Thoreau and other dreamers, he took the time to pursue his interests – however far they might be from the interests of others. Something that I especially appreciated in Tony was that he nurtured some of the same dreams that I did as a younger man – of traveling this land on the back roads (or back rails), and getting to know the kinds of people that he met and loved in the pages of William Faulkner and John Steinbeck. But, unlike me, Tony actually took the time to travel that road. Like all of you, I was deeply saddened to learn of Tony’s death. Although I did not know him as well as many of you, he will leave a void in my life.
Shannon Wheatley
June 24, 2008
Our condolences and deepest sympathy goes to the Smith and Gnezda family. Tony was a maverick amongst mavericks that approached the world with as much curiosity as respect. We loved him for his wit, charm, and compassion towards others. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
With love,
Wayne, Lelonna, Adrian, and Shannon Wheatley
[email protected]
[email protected]
Elaine Aron
June 24, 2008
I went to college with Tony and I remember his easy, kind manner. Tony was a funloving and gentle person. I can't believe that he's gone. My love and prayers go out to his family.
Gretchen (Gardner) Poulson
June 24, 2008
I had Gary for freshman English, and Tony was a year behind me in school. I remember seeing him in the halls of TWHS and on the track. He was always smiling. I am so sorry for your loss, my sister passed away suddenly two years ago, I understand your pain. There are no words, but know he and Gary are watching over all of you! You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Gail Odneal (Honig)
June 24, 2008
Dear Niki, Katherine, Yvonne and Matt: We are so saddened by the Tony's death, remembering the good times with the children all playing happily together. What a gentle soul he was! We miss him, and Gary too, but hope they are together now. We love you all.
Gail and Mel, David and April, Susan, ELana and Balt
Rosanne Alastra-Nagel
June 23, 2008
Niki and family,
I'm not sure if you ever knew that I knew Tony very well for a while when we were both at TWHS. My most fond memories include just sitting around talking during lunch and getting him out of study hall to "work" with us in Co-Curricular. It sounds like he didn't miss much and became such a fantastic teacher and young man. Our brief friendship was always a nice, secret connection I felt like I had to such a warm family and you specifically. Please know that he is much loved and will never be forgotten. Fondly, Rosanne
Nan Wampler
June 23, 2008
Dear Niki and family,
I was so saddened to hear of Tony's passing. Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.
Nan
Nancy Beattie
June 23, 2008
Dear Nikki, Yvonne, and Kathrine, I cannot express the deep sadness that George and I feel for all of your family at this time. My memories of Tony include "put-put", running track, playing baseball and golf - and most of all listening for hours on end about how much Gary loved and cared for all of his children. He was so very proud of all of you. I remember Tony's HUGE smile - especially when he was teasing you guys. He loved to smile. He loved people and life. His generous nature was second to none. The world has lost a gifted humanitarian and friend.
Toni Anne Pedersen
June 23, 2008
Nicki and Family
I personally didn't know Tony. However, I had the opportunity to meet you at family weddings. I would just like to send my condolences to you and your family.
With deepest sympathy.
Toni Pedersen (I work for Char)
Stephanie Fromentin
June 23, 2008
Nicki, Yvonne, and Katharine,
I can't express through words the sorrow it brings me to not be with you at this time. I loved Tony very much. There was always something new I discovered about him whenever we crossed paths. He was a beautiful person and I'll miss him greatly. Please know that I am with you in spirit. I love you all dearly and hope to see you soon.
Gros bisous.
Julia Holt
June 23, 2008
I taught with Tony at the Lab School for two years, and I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Tony and I discovered that we both grew up in Worthington not far from each other and were amazed that we ended up teaching together. When I taught with Tony he was a beginning teacher, but already knew how to reach kids and help them learn and grow as individuals. He had a gentle and generous spirit that made him loved by all. My heart and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time.
Kaylyn Dawkins
June 22, 2008
Tony Smith was my 9th grade English teacher, 2005-2006 at the Baltimore Lab School. He helped to coach our girl's basketball team that year. He was a very nice person and great teacher. I can not describe how sad I feel at this moment. My heart goes out to his family and friends.
PATRICIA ZELNIK
June 22, 2008
TO THE GNESDA AND FAMILY MEMBERS
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO YOU ALL
I MET TONI WHEN WE CAME TO VISIT ONE SUMMER AND HE WAS SUCH A NICE PERSON AND RAISED WELL,ALL THE CHILDREN WERE.
WE HAD SUCH A NICE VISIT THAT WILL BE IN MY MEMORY FOREVER.
NO WORDS WILL EASE YOUR GRIEF BUT IN MY HEART I KNOW HE WILL BE WITH UNCLE JOE AND THAT CAN'T BE BAD.
Char Fromentin
June 22, 2008
To all who are able to read this Guest book, I send my deepest condolences, I just adored my nephew Tony and I am very broken hearted. I send my love to anyone who has had the priviledge of knowing and spending time with my brother's son.
Lindsay Oppenheimer
June 21, 2008
To Tony's Family:
My mother told me today of Tony's passing. I first met Tony when I was in middle school, and I shadowed my mom at work. She taught with Tony's father, Gary Smith. Tony happened to shadow his father that same day. When I met him, he was a quiet guy, but so quick with a smile. I got to know him better later in high school, as he was a close friend of a high school boyfriend of mine. During my senior year, during one of the darkest periods in my life, Tony was there, by my side. He gave me the support, understanding, and friendship that I needed to get through it. He even took me to the Valentine's Dance my senior year in 1997 when I didn't have a date. I remember how he made me laugh with his "free style" dancing.
I mostly remember how easy he made it to laugh. Tony was truly one of the gentlest souls I have ever had the honor to know. I could never say a harsh word about someone and get away with it around Tony. He was a good friend, but an even better human being. I've missed his friendship many times over the years. And today, I miss him so much more.
No words can express the sympathy and grief I feel for Tony's family. The world will be a chillier place without him in it, but those of us who had the distinct privilege of having known him, are better people for it. God bless you Tony, and you and your family will be in my prayers.
-Lindsay
Kathy (Muller) Gershin
June 21, 2008
We were shocked to hear of Tony's accident. He was an amazing person with such strong convictions. His death is a loss to everyone that knew him. We send our prayers and condolences to his family.
The Harper family
June 20, 2008
To the Smith family, My son did not have Tony as a teacher, but said he was someone he looked forward to having as a teacher in the future. Our family's thoughts and prayers are with you.
Barbara O'Brien
June 20, 2008
Dear Niki,
I don't know the words to tell you how shocked and sad I was to learn about Tony's death. I knew Tony through his first year at Jemicy, mentoring and supporting him where/when I could. He was such a creative and loving guy with the kids - his classroom is a perfect exhibit of all that he did with them. And then there are the lives of the kids, touched by Tony's regard and energies, way above and beyond the expected in the classroom or on the field. His giving did not stop at the edges of the Jemicy campus; he worked with inner city kids as well and I was proud that Tony included me in his stories and plans for them. Please know that Tony is yet well-loved and will long be carried in our hearts. He has changed the earth in all of the ways he made such a difference, and I am honored to have known him.
I keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers,
Barbara O'Brien
(retired from Jemicy, summer 2007)
John Davis
June 20, 2008
Tony was a gifted teacher and a pleasure to work with. All of Tony's students had great comments about Tony and how much they enjoyed his class. Tony was always ready to smile. All at Jemicy School will miss Tony.
Regina Merullo
June 20, 2008
Nikki and family!
I am so sorry about your loss. I will pray that God gives you strength! Our lives are so precious!
Much Love,
Regina Merullo
Sandra Dibello
June 20, 2008
Niki, John, Yvonne, Kathryn, Aunt Mary, Chet, Eric and Terri, and the rest of the family,
I am speechless, I am sadden of the horrible news I recieved about Tony, May all the prayers be a comfort during this very painful journey. I am praying for you and sadden, that I will not be able to attend the funeral on Wednesday. Please know I care and I am here for all of you,
God Bless,
Sandy Merullo Dibello
The Gager Family
June 20, 2008
My son attends Jemicy where Mr. Smith taught and spoke of him often in the most positive way. He inspired the students and his passing has left an empty space in more than a few hearts in Maryland. Our thoughts are with his family during their loss
Marie-Anne Kritzer Harkness
June 20, 2008
May G-d give you comfort and peace during your greiving. And know that your friends care about you.
Katharine Gillespie
June 20, 2008
Dear Nikki and John,
We didn't know Tony but we know how painful it is to lose a beloved son and brother. John has been there for our family in times of loss and his love and support has been deeply appreciated. We want you both to know how much we are grieving with you and Tony's sisters during this difficult time.
Our love and prayers to all of you.
Verna Snouffer Walke and Kathi Walke Gillespie
Deborah Brain
June 20, 2008
Tony was a teacher to our son, coach of cross-country, and a good friend. I am shocked, and we will miss him.
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