Seward Smith

Smith, Seward
Dr. Seward Smith (age 87) of Osprey, FL, passed away peacefully on Feb. 4, 2018, while with his devoted daughter Alison in Bethesda, MD.
Seward is survived by his children Alison Smith Vollweiler (husband Skip), Geoffrey Smith (wife Elena), Paul Smith (partner Doug Casto), & Patricia Travieso Williams; and by his step-children Elizabeth Sulzer Gonzalez (husband Octavio), Gregory Sulzer, & Scott Sulzer. He is also survived by his grandchildren Sarah Vollweiler; Daniel & David Smith; Maurice, Matthew, & Mia Williams; & Isabella Gonzalez. His first marriage to Marilynn Persse Smith ended in divorce. He was predeceased by his second wife Virginia Stapf Travieso Smith, son Jack Travieso, & his third wife Jacqui Bird Sulzer Smith.
Seward earned his BA from Amherst College in 1953, and a PhD in Experimental Psychology from the University of Rochester in 1959. Dr. Smith had a gratifying career that included basic research for the Human Resources Research Office and the Naval Medical Research Institute, man in space research at Boeing, teaching and research at Florida State University, and ultimately heading the Army Research Institute's field unit at Fort Benning, GA. Upon retirement in 1994, he & wife Ginny moved to Osprey, to the beloved "Blue Door House" of his parents Herb & Betty Smith, bought in 1965. Seward was a fine athlete who enjoyed tennis, running, senior softball, & power-boating well into his retirement. He was an active member of Plantation Tennis Club for many years. Seward also loved the arts; in recent years he & wife Jacqui enjoyed local symphony, opera, theater, & art cinema. Donations in his memory can be made to: Sarasota Orchestra, 709 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236