Kurt Smith

1954 - 2025

Kurt J. Smith

Aug 11, 1954 - Aug 25, 2025

North Fairfield

Kurt J. Smith, 71, passed away early Monday morning, August 25, 2025, at Stein Hospice Care Center, surrounded by his family.

Kurt J. Smith, born in Norwalk to Edna Mae (Hager) and Claude Smith, spent his early years in the family home perched above Woodlawn Ave, overlooking Norwalk Reservoir and inhaling the scent of fresh buns from West Baking.

While attending St. Paul's High School, Kurt was known for excelling in pole vaulting and making the ladies swoon. After graduating from St. Paul's and EHOVE, he realized city life wasn't for him. It was the early '70s, his hair and beard were long, and though he never fully embraced the hippie lifestyle, he chose the quieter life of North Fairfield, where he stayed for nearly 50 years without a single regret.

Kurt met the love of his life, Linda (Reer), one evening at Friendly Corners when he tripped over her foot. Rumor has it-it was on purpose. Linda had already noticed him and was determined to make a connection. They were inseparable from that moment on, married for nearly 47 years, and shared life's highs and lows side by side.

They built their forever home on West 1st, filling it with two children and more pets than anyone could count. Kurt supported his family as a proud union machinist at Midway in Norwalk, later at Midway Truck Center in Monroeville, where he retired. When he wasn't working, he was always pursuing one passion or another.

In the '80s, he played mud volleyball and coached his son's teams. In the '90s, he became a certified SCUBA diver with Oney and dove the reefs of Cozumel. In the 2000s, he rode his Harley to Sturgis with Turtle. And all the while, he was out in the woods with the Fairfield woodcutters, taking down ash trees and finishing off Old Milwaukee's. Fixing cars for his kids became a constant hobby, and one he tackled with pride.

Though the final years brought their challenges, Kurt lived a full life without regret. Cancer may have taken his body, but the memories of who he was remain strong.

He joins those who passed before him, at the grand table in the sky alongside, Claude and Edna Mae; trying to keep his puppies from jumping up; meeting his brother, Larry, who passed in infancy; playing pool with his brother Paul while nephew Smitty watches; telling his niece Jordan how beautiful she is; and being offered every dish imaginable by his mother-in-law, Wilma Reer; while Howard washes his boat.

Kurt is survived by his wife, Linda; daughter, Tara Smith; son, Nathaniel (Melissa) Smith; grandchildren, Cardey, Kailea, Rowen, and Ari; sister, Karlan Daniel; brothers, Scot (Kelly) Smith and Mark Smith; brother-in-law, Eddie Reer; and his "other daughter", Miana Cronk (don't worry, it's a nickname, not a secret child). He leaves behind many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and dear friends.

A celebration of life will be from 1-4 p.m. Saturday, September 20, 2025, at North Fairfield American Legion. It was going to be Sunday, but let's be honest, Kurt wouldn't want any of you to miss the Browns lose another one.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Back to the Wild Wildlife Rescue, P.O. Box 423, Castalia, OH 44824.

Condolences may be shared online at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.