Robert Dennis Smith

Robert Dennis Smith, 76, passed away at home on January 21, 2026, surrounded by his loving family, after a courageous battle with bladder cancer.

Robert was born January 22, 1949, in North Tonawanda, NY to Arlington and Marie Smith and moved to Arizona at the age of seven. Robert attended Sunnyslope High School and found early success first with AJ Bayless Grocery as a Journeyman Meat Cutter. Combining his interests in real estate and aviation, Robert went on to work for Hallcraft Homes as new homes salesman and then for Frontier Airlines, where he met his wife.

In 1985, he fulfilled a lifelong dream when he became a pilot for Continental Airlines, where he flew until his retirement as Captain in 2006. After leaving aviation, Robert returned to his community where he entered back into residential real estate. He took great pride in helping families find homes in the Squaw Peak- now Piestewa Peak – neighborhood, where he himself lived for nearly five decades. Known affectionately as the neighborhood's "mayor," Robert was admired not only for his immaculate lawn - many gently brushed their hands on his lawn to see if it was real – it was - but mostly for his warmth, generosity, and the way he made everyone feel seen and valued.

Robert will be remembered as a true gentleman. He had a gift for connection, a welcoming smile, and a deep love for his home and community. He enjoyed spending time on the beach in Carlsbad, watching auto racing, and he had an affinity for Gilmour garden hoses. Above all, his greatest joy and accomplishment was his family.

Robert is survived by his wife and best-friend, JoAnn (Jella) Smith, Jenna Smith and her two children; Parker and Jordan Blusiewicz, and, Bryant Smith, Rose (Kittrell) Smith and their two children; Weston and Aria. Robert is also survived by his beloved sister, Nancy (Smith) Kent. Robert was proceeded in death by his parents, Arlington and Marie Smith, and siblings Arlene (Smith) Hoch, Arlington "Bud" Smith, Janet (Smith) Boeheim, and David Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Friday, February 20, 2026, at 11am at Phoenix Bible Church, 6060 N. 7th Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 850l3, with a light reception to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Breakthrough Type 1 Diabetes (https://www.breakthrought1d.org/) an organization dedicated to advancing research and treatments for type 1 diabetes – a cause close to Robert's heart since Jenna's diagnosis in March 2007.