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Thomas Smith Obituary
Thomas J. Smith MD, 75, of Shrewsbury, NJ died Wednesday, February 3, 2021 after a valiant battle with cancer. Born in New York City, he was the son of the late Lotte (Moos) and Eric Smith, PhD.
Dr. Smith graduated from Fair Lawn High School in NJ. He graduated from Amherst College where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree cum laude and Tufts University School of Medicine where he earned an MD degree. He then served two years with the United States Navy. He completed his surgical residency at New England Medical Center in Boston and served a two year Fellowship with the National Cancer Institute at the National Institutes of Health.
His career spanned over 35 years caring for cancer patients, teaching residents and being involved in community cancer programming. He was a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and member of the American Society of Clinical Oncology. He began his career at the New England Medical Center in Boston. In 1994 he became the Chief of Surgery at Morristown Medical Center in NJ where he was saw patients who needed breast/ melanoma medical care as well as directed the Surgical Residency program. He was instrumental in the fundraising and design/development for the Carol G. Simon Cancer Center. In 2002 he was recruited to Everett Washington and joined The Everett Clinic. He was the first community surgical oncologist and he served as the Medical Director of the Comprehensive Breast Center and participated in the design/development and medical management of the Providence Regional Cancer Partnership. He was a lifelong avid sailor and enjoyed singing and classical music.
He was predeceased by his former wife, Barbara the mother of their two sons. He is survived by his wife of 22 years Jean McMahon, son Damon and his wife Denise, son Colin and his wife Megan. He was blessed with 6 grandchildren: Caleb, Maddie, Jillian, Zander Gavin and Kat. He treasured his time with them and they adore their Opa.
Physician, teacher colleague, friend, husband, father and grandfather. He will be missed.
There will be a celebration of his life later this year. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to The Sierra Club. He was an enthusiastic supporter over many years.
February 3, 2021To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Smith
John Romanelli
February 9, 2026
Hard to believe it has been five years. I hope you rest well, Dr. Smith. I appreciate the kind wisdom and teaching that you provided all of us at Morristown. Your contributions to Surgery shall not be forgotten.
John Romanelli, MD
May 5, 2021
Dr. Smith was my Chairman and Program Director at Morristown from 1995 to 2000. He was a kind and decent man, a great mentor, and a wonderful surgeon. He is lost to us too soon but his legacy lives on in the surgeons that he trained. Rest well, Dr. Smith.
Sandy Smith Trowbridge
March 2, 2021
I am so very sorry for your loss. I was his clinic secretary in the Breast Health Center at Tufts. He was wonderful with his patients and staff
Linda Whitaker
February 27, 2021
I was fortunate to work with Tom at the Cancer Partnership in Everett on cancer conferences and various cancer committees. He was intelligent and so caring and kind. Rest in peace Tom; take care Jean.
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Marilyn Finsen
February 21, 2021
Dear Jean, Damon and Colin,
I pray that you are surrounded by loving family and friends at this time. My heart is heavy with the loss of such a great man. I was one fortunate person who had Dr. Smith as a Surgeon and I am alive because of him. He met me in my nightmare and guided myself and my family through the maze of complicated choices in my cancer fight. His skill in maintaining the tissue with surgery still gets compliments when I go for annual exams. His calm demeanor and ability to set a patients mind at ease was amazing. It's such a loss, but oh what a life well-lived.
Roberta Cannon
February 21, 2021
This just breaks my heart!!! My daughter and I were blessed to have had him for our surgeon and mentor during our episodes with breast cancer. Such a kind and caring person!!! RIP Dr. Smith!! Prayers and love to your family. Roberta Cannon
Marilyn Finsen
February 21, 2021
Dr. Smith was a kind, compassionate and highly skilled surgeon. He saved my life 10 years ago. He led me through the terror of cancer and provided a understanding manner that helped my family understand the disease and our options. His talents show as through the years many specialist have commented on what a good job he did with my surgery. I am forever grateful for this wonderful man. I grieve with his family and many friends.
Gayle Cornish
February 17, 2021
Jean
I am so honored to have worked with you and Tom at Morristown Medical Center, and to have shared many wonderful personal experiences.
They say with boats, “it is always something,” but except for one glitch in the Navesink River that kept us land-bound, our boating adventures to Tall Ships and the San Juan Islands and a few others were without a hitch.
Thank you so much, for all the memories.
I hope you find comfort in reflecting on all of the loving adventures you shared with Tom. I hope our paths cross again.
Rest In Peace, Tom
♥
Edie Boschen
February 17, 2021
I had the privilege of working with Tom when I arrived at Carol G Cancer Center in 1999. He was a wonderful mentor and friend to me during his time at Morristown. Sincere condolences to Jean and family.
Wall Judith
February 16, 2021
Dr. Tom Smith was a consummate and caring professional who was not intimidated by taking unpopular positions - when those positions were in the right. My deepest condolences to Jean and family.
Lorraine Butler
February 15, 2021
He is now resting in peace
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