Eric Chapman Wirth

Eric Chapman Wirth

Kent, CT

Eric Chapman Wirth, of Kent, Connecticut, passed away at Danbury Hospital on Wednesday, November 19th after a long struggle with kidney and liver disease. He was born on May 30, 1959, in Belleville, Illinois.

Eric was the loving partner of Talbott Collins Smith for 32 years. The couple maintained homes in Litchfield County and an apartment in New York City. In addition to his soulmate, Talbott, Eric is survived by his devoted family members: mother, Martha Jelliffe Wirth, as well as his older brother, Steven P. Wirth, his sister, Laurie Wirth-Melliand, his niece, Martina L. Melliand, and his brother-in-law, M. Richard Melliand. Eric is also survived by his mother-in-law, Jeanne Collins Sutherland.

After graduating from American University, in Washington, D.C., Eric served as Legislative Assistant to Congressman Melvin Price, of Illinois, for eight years, after which time he moved to New York City to pursue a career that led him into publishing and advertising. He worked for Christian Dior, Conde Nast, and Draft Worldwide, among others. Eric and Talbott moved to Falls Village and then on to Kent, Connecticut, where Eric continued to utilize his marketing and public relations skills to benefit the communities where they lived.

One of Eric's greatest joys was to travel with Talbott for business and pleasure to France, England, Switzerland, Mexico, and places across the U.S. to visit their many friends and family members. The couple also treasured their time in West Palm Beach during the winter months.

Eric was a superlative cook, as evidenced by his membership in the James Beard Society. He and Talbott loved to entertain friends at their beautiful home overlooking Skiff Mountain.

Eric was also a member of the Kent Democratic Town Committee and Saint Andrews Episcopal Church, where he served on the Vestry. Eric and Talbott were formerly members of St. Thomas Church, Fifth Avenue, an Episcopal church in Manhattan. They were blessed by their thirty year friendship with The Reverend Canon John G.B. Andrew.

Despite his retirement, Eric was an avid reader and read at least four newspapers a day to maintain his knowledge and interest in business and world affairs.

Eric's sense of joie de vivre touched all who came in contact with him.

"Perhaps they are not stars, but rather openings in Heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy."

A Memorial Service will be held 11 a.m., Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Andrew's Church in Kent, CT. A Burial Service will be held privately at a later date. Memorials may be made to: St. Andrew's Episcopal Church in Kent, Connecticut.

Please check www.Kenny FuneralHomes.com for more information as it becomes available.