Clifford E. Smith

1930 - 2023

Clifford E. Smith
May 13, 1930 - May 2, 2023
Mr. Clifford E. Smith, 92, husband of Mary Mae Smith and longtime resident of Fairfield, Connecticut, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 2, 2023, in the Carolton Chronic and Convalescent Hospital.
Cliff ("Kip" or "Kippy") was born in Bridgeport, CT, on May 13, 1930, and was the son of the late Benjamin and Marian (Cellar) Smith. Survivors in addition to his loving wife, Mary Mae Smith of 64 years include two sisters: Patricia Ann Donovan of Stratford, CT and Maryellen Belcher of Southington, CT; two nephews: Bruno Patrick Rubinsky and Kevin Belcher; two nieces: Susan Rubinsky and Allison Edwards, four grandnieces and nephews, as well as many cousins.
Kip grew up in the Black Rock neighborhood of Bridgeport, CT, and attended St Ann's School, Fairfield Preparatory School, and Bassick High School. In his youth he worked for Collins Pharmacy, serving at the soda fountain and as a delivery boy.
A US Air Force veteran serving during the Korean War, he then attended and graduated with a Bachelor and Masters in education on the GI plan and, later, a Masters in library science from Fairfield University. Kip taught social studies in the Fairfield Public School system for over 35 years, mainly at Tomlinson Middle School. Known for his encyclopedic mind, it was apropos that Kip began his second career at the Fairfield Public Library as an information specialist after retiring as a teacher.
Kip loved children and delighted his nieces and nephews at family gatherings with games and shenanigans. As a teacher, he was passionate about educating his students, especially about history and culture and would bring in props and music for students to gain a full understanding of certain time periods. He took his students on an annual trip to see Beatlemania when teaching about 1960s culture.
Baseball and books were his passions and Kip was known for his witty remarks and quotes – from Yogi Bera to Oscar Wilde. In his youth, Kip was the ball boy for his family baseball team – comprised of his Dad and all of his uncles and coached by his grandfather. Kip coached baseball camp at Sturges Park in Fairfield throughout the 1970s and 80s. Always rooting for the underdog, Kip was an avid Mets fan until the end. In his youth he was also a NY Giants fan, hopping the train with his teenaged pals to catch a game.
A memorial service will be held on Saturday, May 27, 2023, at 10 a.m. at St Ann's Church at 481 Brewster Street in Black Rock, Bridgeport, CT. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to Fairfield Public Library or buying a bookplate in his name which will be placed in a new book at the library.