Martin Smith

Martin Gilbert Smith Jr., 87, passed away peacefully on March 26, 2025, in Jupiter, Florida. A devoted father, grandfather, brother, and engineer, Martin lived a life marked by resilience, dedication, and quiet strength.

Born on August 23, 1937, in Indiana, Pennsylvania, Martin was the son of Martin Smith and Mildred Smith. From an early age, he demonstrated a keen intellect and a drive for excellence. He graduated valedictorian from Indiana Joint High School in 1955 before pursuing his passion for engineering at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. There, he earned both his Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering and a Master's degree in Engineering-an academic foundation that would shape his professional life.

Martin dedicated his entire career of 35 years to Pratt & Whitney Aircraft as an aeronautical engineer.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Martin was deeply rooted in faith and family. A practicing Catholic throughout his life, he found solace and joy in attending church regularly and singing hymns with heartfelt devotion. His faith was a guiding force during life's most difficult moments.

Martin experienced profound loss with the passing of his first wife, Patricia Smith, who died at the age of 48. Despite this heartbreak, he continued forward with courage and grace. In time, he found love again with Clodagh Smith, whom he married and cherished until her passing five years ago. Through these chapters of love and loss, Martin remained steadfast-drawing strength from his faith and family.

He is lovingly remembered by his children Martin III, Christopher, and Terence; stepchildren Caroline, Robyn, Arjen, Michele, and Randy; grandchildren Owen, Cecil, Clayton, Evan, Mariah, Adam, Samuel, Arjen Jr., Malcolm, Summer, and Hunter; and siblings Pat, Dodie, and David.

Martin loved sharing his time in Cape Cod and Florida. He enjoyed travel, sailing, tennis, fishing, skiing, and bridge. Martinis and Bloody Marys were enjoyed with good company; He loved tinkering with many projects in his basement tool shop. Every endeavor bore the mark of a man who appreciated attention to detail and took pride in doing things right.

Those who knew Martin will remember him as strong yet caring-a man who was brave when it mattered most, relying on faith to pull him through the hardest of times. He was loyal to those he loved and always carried himself with quiet dignity.

May his memory bring comfort to all who knew him, and may he now rest in peace beside those he held dear.

A memorial service will be held in Connecticut at a later date.