Sean R. Smith

Sean Robert Smith, 57, of West Hartford, CT beloved partner to Wendy Mitzel, passed away from stomach cancer, June 5, 2024, surrounded by his family, including sons Declan Harry Smith and Ryan Andrew Smith. Sean was the son of Judy Cranston Smith and Robert (Sheila) Smith and an amazing brother to Kimberly (Robert) Olsen and Chad (Rona) Smith, uncle to Brian Olsen and a treasured stepfather to Mallory, Cooper (Lindsay), Max and Alyx.
Sean was born June 16, 1966, in Grand Forks, ND and moved around the country with his family, settling in Medway, MA. He attended Bryant University and went on to work in corporate sales, finally realizing his dream of owning his own business, RyDec Home Improvements in 2011.
The consummate sportsman, Sean played competitive tennis first for Bryant University, and then on teams, most at East Hartford Tennis Club, across Connecticut. (Just weeks after his diagnosis he played in the Over 55 USTA National Tennis Championships.) Many weekends were spent playing vintage baseball and he was always happy to join a Thanksgiving Day football game. He will be missed by his many friends and teammates.
Still, his greatest joy were the two boys he shared from a previous marriage with Margaret Drolet. Sean supported and coached the boys' sports teams as they grew up and volunteered as the Game Changer Master for Ryan's Moose Baseball League and Conard Baseball. He searched for voice and theater teachers for Declan and was so proud of his accomplishments. He often teared up upon watching Declan perform, and enthusiastically cheered on Ryan at the plate or on the field.
In 2010, Sean and Wendy began dating and quickly realized they were a perfect match. Wendy will miss his quick wit, kind heart, sparkly blue eyes and his support. He enjoyed making her laugh and would pause in the middle of the sidewalk to dance with her if they heard music. He taught her how to confidently enjoy life, worry less and embrace the adventure. Over the years, they spent time together and with friends at concerts, plays, musicals, dinners, Patriots, Bruins and Red Sox Games, traveling, hiking, searching for the best craft beer, playing competitive trivia with friends and being with family. It was a beautiful life filled with laughter and love and chaos and road trips, built around their blended family of six kids (and two dogs). Quick with a witty comment and full of dad jokes, "Pops" showed up for everything from elementary art shows to college move-ins and weddings.
Sean was the first to make a friend, to stop and help someone in need and volunteered for many organizations, donating his services for auctions and fundraisers, and donating blood to the Red Cross (bringing his boys along to eat cookies and juice).
A Funeral Mass at St. Patrick - St Anthony Church in Hartford is planned for Saturday, June 15, 2024, at 1 p.m. Everyone is welcome and encouraged to come celebrate Sean's life and spirit.
In lieu of flowers, please support some of Sean's favorite charities or the people who helped us during this time: Dog Star Rescue, Healing Meals, the American Red Cross, Wounded Warrior Project, Meals for the hungry at St. Patrick - St. Anthony Church and the Franciscan Center. A GoFundMe has been established in his name at https://gofund.me/27ad9741 to help the family with bills, funeral costs and college tuition for Ryan and Declan as they continue their higher education. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com