Harold Jerome Smith

Harold Jerome Smith, 75, of Phoenix, Arizona passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2014. Jerry, as he was known, was a deeply spiritual man recognized for his sense of humor and great kindness. Jerry was born on August 22, 1939 in Hartford, Connecticut to Harold Lee Smith and Jeanette Helen Frazier. Jerry attended St. Augustine School in Hartford and was a tremendous athlete with a particular passion for playing basketball. His freshman year of high school he enrolled in a residential seminary run by the La Salette Fathers and eventually became a Brother of Charity. He left the order and graduated from the University of Hartford with a Bachelors Degree in English in 1966. Jerry was a middle school English teacher when he met his true love, Jane Andrea Cosgrove. They married in 1967 and left Connecticut together to serve as Extension Volunteers in Socorro, New Mexico. They returned east to buy their first home in Southwick, Massachusetts and Jerry received his Masters in Counseling again at the University of Hartford. He began his career with the Connecticut Department of Corrections. This job relocated them to Cheshire, CT where they developed deep friendships and a love for tennis and gourmet dining. He came to Arizona as Director of Security for Revlon which was where he remained until his retirement. He was a life member of the American Society for Industrial Security International (ASIS), and served as President for the local chapter. An active member of St. Jerome's Catholic Parish, Jerry served in many roles as a counselor, mentor, and as a member of the Knights of Columbus. Jerry was prolific reader and lover of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). He was a sesquipedalian (one who uses large words), a consummate dessert lover, renown storyteller, avid gym goer, sports fan, and most recently a reluctant technophile and online shopper. He is survived by his loving wife of 47 years, Jane, and his two children, Jennifer Smith Gremmert (Mark) of Denver, Colorado and Patrick Smith of Phoenix, Arizona, among with his sister, Laura Lee Donahue (Gerry) of Essex Junction, Vermont. His beloved sister Patricia Helen Fillion (Robert) preceded him in death. His most precious gifts were his grandchildren Hannah Jane and Ethan Mark Gremmert whom he doted on and cherished. He will missed by his sisters and brothers in law as well as many nieces and nephews, cousins, and legions of friends, colleagues and acquaintances. Jerry knew no strangers. He was the Hon Bun to his bride; Rimpy to his grandchildren; Gumba and Big Guy to his friends and a hero to his son. He will be missed. Services will be held at St Jerome Catholic Church on December 27, 2014 with a rosary at 8:30 AM, Mass at 10:00 AM and brunch following. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the St Vincent de Paul Society.