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Kevin Smith Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Kevin Smith
Robert and Laurie Rotman
March 17, 2010
Last night at about 1 am, in preparation for St. Patrick's Day, I went to Kevin's website for the first time in a long while to play some of his music. I did not know that he had passed on!
Exactly 11 years ago today, on Wednesday March 17, 1999, Ia Wednesday just like today, stumbled into the Irssh Cottage in Forest Hills and heard Kevin for the first time. At that time I was working 12 hrs. days and to get out on St. Patrick's day and listen to some Irish music was fantastic. I got a real flavor of the holiday. Of course I had to go back to work the next day at 8am. I went back to the Cottage on St. Pat's Day 2000, for more of the same , but Kevin wasnt there. A few months later, also at the Cottage, I saw a picture of Kevin on the wall and asked a patron "Who is that guy? I have seen him and he is really good!" He replied that is Kevin Smith, he is here every Thurday night!
From that moment on I made it a ritual almost to be at the Irish Cottage on Thursday nights. Even If I could only get there for Kevin's second or even third set it was still fabulous after my 60+ hr weeks. Anyway on Thursday night October 26, 2000 I went to the Cottage to hear Kevin but it being the middle of the subway series 2000, Kevin wasnt there. I had 4 pints of Bass and was getting to leave when this group of girls came in. Four pints was about my limit. Anyway to make a long story short, I started chatting with one of those girls whose phone number I got that evening. Eventually she became my girlfriend and then in 2005 my wife. The only reason I went to the cottage that night was to hear Kevin sing. My wife and I later told Kevin, we met because of you! My wife bought me a Kevin Smith CD that night.
The last time I saw Kevin was on Thursday night March 12, 2009. My wife and I came in from the city to hear Kevin for his pre-St. Paddy 's day music! The night was memorable because it was the night of the Syracuse-UConn 6 OT game! Our lives took over and began to change subsequently. . I changed jobs and in September 2009 my wife became pregnant. I did not have the time to back to the Cottage and hear Kevin. Last night I went to check his website thinking we might be able to hear him at Muldoon's tonight since last I knew he played there on Wednesday nights. We had heard Kevin at Muldoon's in 2007. What a treat that would have been! To hear Kevin Smith again on St. Paddy's Day! That is when I found out he passed away August 9, 2009! I could not sleep last night!
The Thursday night before Good Friday at the Irish Cottage was always a great Kevin Smith night! Hearing him do "A Fairytale of NY" the week before Christmas always set the mood! His "Wild Rover" or Ballad of James Connolly" on St. Patrick's Day bled GREEN!
Rest in Peace Good Warrior!
Robert and Laurie Rotman
Harold John Zurlo
November 1, 2009
Last night I learned of Kevin's passing. I attended Marine Military Academy with him in 1968. I grew up in Franklin Square. I remember him as a post graduate who was a gentelman. Sorry for your loss.
Joan Smith
September 18, 2009
I have known Kevin since kindergarten. I am proud to call him a friend. He will be missed. My prayers and condolences go out to his family.
Havrilla Jo Ann
September 18, 2009
I am truly heartbroken to hear of Kevin's passing. I went to St. Dom's H.S. with him and we performed in all the school shows together. My most favorite memories are:Kevin's winning smile; his generosity of spirit; that touching moment in BABES IN ARMS with Kathy Luna singing WHERE OR WHEN & his never ending energy. My condolences to all of his family.
Tom Myles
September 7, 2009
There will be a benefit in his memory at Lily Flanagan's on Oct. 3 from noon to 4 p.m. Proceeds will benefit his wife and the FDNY Uniformed Firefighters Association for Widows and Children's Fund.
Michael O'Connor
September 6, 2009
Im deeply sadened to hear this news. I must have spent every Tuesday night over an 10 year period listening to Kevin at Jackie Reillys. Not only was he a great entertainer and musician, but a gentelman and a friend! My Dad, my pal Paddy and I will miss him greatly. My deepest condolences and sympathies to his family. I will cherrish the two CD's I have of Kevin..Sincerely, Michael O'Connor...I now for a fact now that God is Irsh!!!
Ann Walsh
August 31, 2009
We met Kevin at Lilly's and he introduced my children (ages 3&5) to all of the great Irish songs that I knew from my childhood. He was so kind and warm to us, and we became instant fans! Sat nite at Lilly's was such a treat. We were so saddened to hear of his passing from the waitress at Lilly's yesterday. Luckily, for us, Kevin gave us his CD the last time we saw him, so we'll have his voice with us forever, but sadly, Lilly's will not be the same for us. We will miss him very much. A truly dear soul has departed. Our sympathies and deepest condolences to his wife and family, and all those who will miss his wonderful performances.
Sincerely,
The Walsh Family
JP
August 18, 2009
I just received the news of Kevin's passing. My heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. Kevin was a smart, warm and genuine man ... farewell to a true troubadour.
I was lucky enough to discover Kevin when he was playing at the Irish Cottage, just minutes away from grad. school. Of course, my friends and I became instant regulars whenever he played.
After graduating, though, I left Queens for Manhattan and thought the good old days of Kevin's live Irish music had mostly passed me by.
Much to my surprise, while strolling in NYC near my office, I saw a live Irish music sign and stepped in. And who is there singing his heart out...Kevin. Needless to say, a friend and I from grad. school became regulars yet again (this time at Muldoons). How lucky I have been to have Kevin just a stone's throw from me for the last 6 years. And how sad I am that it won't be another 6 years.
Kevin, you left us too early and you will be missed. Here's to hoping the angels sang you a nice lilting tune while St. Peter escorted you through the Pearly Gates.
Artie Schupbach
August 16, 2009
I sat in with Kevin many nights at Irish Cottage. He was a true professional, and I was honored when he told me that I was also. He warmed so many hearts with his music, and was always a pleasure to hang out with. He will be missed. My condolences to his family.
Randy Langione
August 15, 2009
I am so fortunate to know Tom amd Kevin and to have played with them for over 25 years now. Kevin introduced me to a treasure of Irish music I had not known. He was kind, thoughtful and sweet to everyone.I am overwhelmed by the outpouring of family, friends and fans, especially the fireman and policemen whom Kevin loved so much.He played countless benefit concerts to raise money for the families of the fallen on 9/11. His songs are ringing in my head , and I will forever listen to them , and , I will hear his laughter for Kevin was about Joy.
Randy Langione
Oyster Bay High School , class 1968
Tom Nylund
August 15, 2009
I went to high school with Kevin, and remember a truly genuine nice guy. Like my other classmates, i wondered how he fared after we graduated. I should've known he'd pursue music. I used to wish i could sing like Tommy and him. I can see by reading these entries that he was well-loved and blessed with more than a few good friends. I'm sad to hear of his passing and regret not having been more aware of his career. My deepest condolences to everyone close to him.
(Fr.) Steve Hannafin
August 14, 2009
I was honored to sit in with Kevin at Jackie Reilly's with my guitar and play "Four Green Fields" on several occasions. Kevin, may the angels guide you into paradise.
Chris Hynes
August 14, 2009
I would just like to express to Jo-Anne, on behalf of my entire family our deepest sympathies. I saw Kevin many nights at The Irish Cottage (And the bells were ringing out for Christmas Today). My brother w/ the PAPD Emerlad Society. And w/ my brother, Dad and My sister and her kids Sunday afternoons at Lillie's. Kevin gave my nephews' such smiles when he played what ever Irish drinking song the boys 6-12 asked for. Please know that Kevin brought joy to so many, and your family is in our hearts.
Love Chris Hynes
Lora McNeece Barrett
August 13, 2009
My heart goes out to Kevin's entire family. Those of us who went to St. Dominic High School with him will remember him as a gentle man, a gentleman, and a sincere, well liked person.
Lora McNeece Barrett
Holyoke, MA
Tom Myles
August 13, 2009
For the last few days I have been playing Kevin's CDs over and over. Kevin was passionate about all in his life: his music, Irish history and Irish freedom, his friends, and family. I love the songs that he and Tom wrote and performed. He was so generous to me and to his many friends and causes. Kevin certainly gave us "The Best of My Heart". My sincerest sympathy to Jo-Anne and Tom.
stephen sweetman
August 13, 2009
Your friends at the Irish Cottage will miss you Kevin. Thursday nights were always a night to look forward to. May your spirit live on. You will be missed...
Kathleen & Paul Devejian
August 12, 2009
We will remember your heartfelt Irish songs sung for family and friends. Your humor and passion will always be remembered. Our deepest sympathy to Joanne and the entire Smith Family.
jimmy dawes
August 12, 2009
His laugh and smiles were real.
His music was fun and spirited.
He may have left us early,but he will never be forgotten.
thank you kev. and may god bless your family now and always.
jimmy d. (A.O.H. 2)
Leslie Berliner Langione
August 12, 2009
I always had a very dear spot for Kevin in my heart from the day I met him . He was a special friend to my husband and fellow musician. They traveled and played together, had many stories to tell, going back to the early 1980's. I would always sit with them to hear every detail whenever we all got together. My heart goes out to Joanne, whom he loved so much, to his brother Tom, who may feel as if he lost half of himself , to Maureen and Jerry and all the kids as well as to all his fans. I am sure the Irish music scene will have a gaping hole and will fill it with tributes to a great, passionate, sincere entertainer.
Leslie Berliner Langione
Stephen Fox
August 12, 2009
We have been blessed by having had Kevin in our lives for the last thirteen years many long nights into the wee hours of the morning. Listening and singing along with him. You will truly be missed but you and Jo-Anne will be in hour hearts forever and in our ears with your music.
Debbie Ongania
August 12, 2009
I will always have warm memories of Kevin and his family. We met in 1964 at St. Dominic's. We remained good friends throughout our high school days. Kevin and Tommy and Barbara sang at my wedding way back. My sympathy goes out to all the Smith's. Debbie(Vreeland) Ongania
Kathy Dunn
August 11, 2009
I went to high school with Kevin and just heard of his passing. My prayers are with his family. Those of us here grieve; the angels rejoice as they add another great talent to their ranks!
KEVIN KEATLEY
August 11, 2009
GODSPEED TO YOU KEVIN. YOU ARE A GREAT FRIEND AND MUSICIAN. THE IRISH COTTAGE WILL NEVER BE THE SAME ON THURSDAY NIGHTS WITHOUT YOU.! I WILL MISS YOU TERRIBLY.
YOU WERE ALWAYS A HUGE SUPPORTER OF THE F.D.N.Y. AND N.Y.P.D.....FOR THIS WE THANK YOU!
Vilma Valentin
August 11, 2009
My heartfelt and sincerest condolences to the entire Smith family. I had the privilege and pleasure of meeting Mr. Smith on several occasions and listening to him sing, both on Long Island and in NYC. Kevin had a very kind heart and generous spirit. When I hear an Irish song, especially of the fight for Irish freedom and the Wolf Tones, surely I shall think of Kevin. Slan agus Beannacht, Vilma (Bhailintin) Valentin
John Connolly
August 11, 2009
My deepest condolences to the entire family. A wonderful and talented person has left us.
Sincerely,
Dan Callaghan
August 11, 2009
My sincerest condolences to Jo-Anne and the Smith family. I've got nothing but very fond memories of Kevin over the many years that I've known him. I've always enjoyed his music and often sung along with him whether at the Pub or in the car listening to his CD's. The Irish community was certainly Blessed with his presence and will certainly be missed by all. He had given much and asked for little in return. His reward will be that he can stand proudly next to Wolfe Tone, James Connolly and Bobby Sands. Rest in peace my friend.
Greg Ryan
August 11, 2009
I had the good fortune of performing with Kevin many times. He always performed with great skill, artistry and an intense passion - for the songs he was singing, the people he was singing to, and, Ireland - a free and united Ireland. He was a great singer/musician, a gentleman and a friend. My deepest sympathies to you Jo-Anne, Tommy and the rest of the Smith family.
Greg Ryan (Rockville Centre)
Greg Ryan
August 11, 2009
I had the good fortune of performing with Kevin many times. He always performed with great skill and artistry and an intense passion - for the songs he was singing, the people he was singing to, and, Ireland - a free and united Ireland. He was a great singer/musician, a gentleman and a friend. My deepest sympathies to you Jo-Anne, Tommy and the rest of the Smith family.
Greg Ryan (Rockville Centre)
Denise Nash
August 11, 2009
We had the amazing experience of touring Ireland with Kevin and Jo-Anne and singing along with Kevin and his wonderful music. He was such a great entertainer. We are so fortunate to have those wonderful memories of Kevin. He will be greatly missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Jo-Anne and the entire Smith family during this difficult time. We are so sorry for your loss.
-JB & Denise Nash
August 11, 2009
Joe and I have known Kevin for many years and we are very sadden to hear that he had such an untimely death. He was a good friend and great entertainer. We will always cherish our memories. Our hearts go out to his wife and family.
Sincerely, Lauren and Joe Abbott
Jeanine & Joe Viglucci
August 11, 2009
Joe and I cannot express in words the sympathy and condolences we have for the family of Kevin Smith. Our hearts goes out to JoAnn. Kevin was a good man, a best friend to everyone, the kindest hearted human being and no matter what always made you feel special. We were blessed to have had him in our lives and memories of Kevin will live in our hearts, always. RIP Kevin, we'll never forget. Jeanine and Joe Viglucci
Lynn Duda
August 11, 2009
I am grateful to have known Kevin. My love & prayers go out to Jo-Anne & the entire Smith family. Love to all of you as you begin to heal and celebrate his life. Lynn Duda
August 11, 2009
I am grateful to have known Kevin. My love & prayers go out to Jo-Anne & the entire Smith family. Love to all of you as you begin to heal and celebrate his life.
Lynn Duda
August 11, 2009
I am grateful to have known Kevin. My love & prayers go out to Jo-Anne & the entire Smith family. Love to all of you as you begin to heal and celebrate his life.
Patti Larkin
August 11, 2009
My memories of Kevin go back to my early childhood when he and Tom would sing in my parents living room. I will always carry those memories in my heart. My deepest sympathy goes out to my family. I am so sorry I cannot be there, but will be with you in spirit. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Cousin Patti (Jones) Larkin
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