James J. Smyth

James J. Smyth
James J. Smyth, 59, of Enfield, peacefully passed away at his home on Wednesday, August 28, 2024, with his family by his side. Born in Hartford on March 7, 1965, he was the son of the late Francis and Marjorie (Sauer) Smyth. James was a graduate of Fermi High School and later earned his degree in Engineering from Northeastern University.
He enjoyed a long career as a mechanical engineer for several companies, retiring from Aero Bond Composites after many years of service. Outside of work James loved communing with nature through many activities, including camping, hiking, canoeing, whitewater rafting, fishing and golf. He was a member of many clubs supporting the outdoors, such as the Westfield Sportsmans' Club, the Scantic River Watershed, the Audubon Association, and the CT Forests and Parks Association. When he wasn't enjoying the great outdoors, he immersed himself in the study of military history and enjoyed sharing his extensive knowledge of the topic with family and friends. James was also a faithful communicant of St. Bernard Church.
James is survived by his lifelong partner Debbie Madore; his sisters, Emilyn Bellavia and her husband Gerald of Westwood, MA, Bonnie Mazzoli and her husband Tom of Somers, CT, and Jayne Ritz and her husband Frank of Cranston, RI. He also leaves behind several dear nieces and nephews, Catherine Nanda, Christopher Bellavia, Thomas (TJ) and Ashley Mazzoli, and Frank, Tim, and Lauren Ritz, and great nieces and nephews, Jasper, Miles, Enzo, Michelina, Frankie, Gabriella, Grace, and Zoey.
His family will receive relatives and friends from 5 pm to 7 p.m. on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Leete-Stevens Enfield Chapels, 61 South Rd, Enfield. A procession will gather at 9 a.m. at the funeral home on Saturday, September 7, 2024, for a Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated at 10 a.m. at St. Bernard Church, 426 Hazard Ave., Enfield. Burial will follow at St. Patrick's King St. Cemetery. James' family would appreciate donations in his memory to the Enfield Historical Society or the Hazardville Institute Conservancy Society, Inc. For online condolences, please visit www.leetestevens.com.