Charles J. Smith

I´m going to miss calling him now and then. Tales of Brooklyn and Ebbets Field. He was my coach in high school in 1964. He trained two divers. One was a NE champ. A few swimming records at the old high school remain unbroken since then. He´d drive a few of us to the big pool at UConn in his VW minibus and film is from under through a glass window. I spent a few weeks sleeping on a cot in his basement while at Pine Knoll Swim School. Coach, you made a magnificent impression on me which I´ll...

My heartfelt condolences to Jean, Chuck, and Andy. Charlie was my close friend and compadre for 65 years. He loved life and we share many happy times together. I will miss staying in touch and his friendship.

Coach Smith to me was an uncommon educator/Coach. He was always there for us. You could always go to him about anything and he would always be there. To say, I loved this man... would be an understatement. Let me leave you with this... "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou May God bless you and keep you, Coach.

Condolences to the Smith family. Fondly remembering Coach from my many years of working for Grace Food Service, Cheney Hall.

So sorry to hear about Coach´s passing. He was an inspiration for me in so many ways. Always knew when the tension of competing was getting to us all at SC and knew how to relieve it. Could really relate to us young adults and counsel us when needed. Always admired how he kept in physical condition and to this day has inspired me to do the same. Love ya Coach, God Bless.

Coach Smith was not only a great coach, but he influenced the lives of many people. In my case he was the swim coach at Wyndham High School in Willimantic, CT where he helped me become a member of the All American Interscholastic Swim team, and later encouraged me to continue my education in medical school. I consider Coach Smith to be one of the most influential people in my life.

Coach Smith had extraordinary influence on so many swimmers at SC, including me. From the time it took to walk from the natatorium to the dining hall one memorable spring evening, Charlie convinced me that had what it takes to become a doctor. 44 years later, at the tail end of an amazing career in Sports Medicine in which I have interfaced with hundreds of coaches, Charlie remains my favorite coach ever. Rick Parker SC `80

Many fond memories of this guy @ Springfield College. A life well lived and respectable.

I remember Coach Smith when the architectural/engineering firm, Munson & Mallis, designed the natatorium at Springfield College in the 1960s. He and Coach Red Silva had input in the design. Coach Smith was very knowledgeable and easy to work with.