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Brian Smith Obituary
He was born in Groton, on Dec. 2, 1958, to the late William J. and Norma A. (Schultz) Smith. He grew up in Uncasville, and graduated from Montville High School in 1976. He went on to receive a bachelor's degree from Columbia University, a master's degree in early childhood education at S.C.S.U. and a six-year diploma in educational leadership at UCONN. Working in elementary education for the New London schools for 30 years, he gained the love and respect of many students and colleagues. He also taught briefly in the towns of Old Saybrook and Lisbon.
He married his wife, Tania (Faulkner) Smith, originally of Bristol, on July 10, 2000, on Catalina Island, and they made their home in Norwich with daughter Morgan Leigh Cyr. Morgan graduated from NFA and received a bachelor's degree from Keene State in music education in 2011. He was very beloved by both of them, and they often vacationed together, including several trips to the Jersey shore and Maine. His hobbies and favorite things included his dogs, the Red Sox, Bruce Springsteen, and dining at Harry's in Colchester.
Other than his wife and daughter, he is also survived by his brother, Joseph Smith of Middletown, and Joseph's partner, John; and nephew, Nicholas Ouellette of Bristol. He was also a member of the Mohegan Tribe, and is survived by an aunt, uncle, and many cousins in the tribe. Brian also has an aunt and several cousins in the Steubenville, Ohio area.
Visitation will be from 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday (4/29) at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich. A graveside ceremony and burial will be held at 11a.m. Monday (4/30) at the Mohegan Burial Ground at Fort Shantok.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund or Marines Helping Marines.
To view photos or leave a condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Brian Smith
Jean Blackstone Olsen
August 9, 2012
Tania, Morgan, and Joseph,
I don't know if this will reach you as so many months have passed, but I just found out that Brian died. I am one of the Blackstone's and grew up at the bottom of Fielding Terrace. Although Joseph and Brian are both several years older than I am, my sisters and I have fond memories of the Smith house on Halloween. There would always be some spooky new surprise awaiting us.
I bumped into Brian approximately 12 years ago when volunteering for Pencil Pal at the Edgerton School. We had a wonderful time reminiscing about Fielding Terrace/Cooke Drive and field of education. He was a lovely man and my heart is heavy for your loss.
Jeannie Olsen
Carol Wheeler-Flood
May 2, 2012
I taught with Brian at both Edgerton and Jennings Schools. I enjoyed his intelligent wit on many occasions, but it is experiencing the way he spoke with kids that I will remember. I was so pleased when he joined the Jennings staff this school year. It was good to hear his voice down the hall again. It's hard that his voice has been silenced, but I will forever treasure my memories of him. Evertime I teach students how to answer a word problem, I will tell
them about Mr. Smith. My thoughts and prayers have been and will continue to be with Tania and Morgan.
amanda Cyr
May 1, 2012
Aunt Tania I am so sorry for yours and morgans loss. I can see here that your husband was loved by many. I will pray for God to be with you during this time. I love you both.
Jane P.H. Bernoudy
May 1, 2012
I loved subbing for Mr. Smith's class and sometimes being the second teacher in the classroom with him. I pray that God will be a source of peace and strength for you at this time and that you find comfort in your many wonderful memories.
Marque Setevage
April 30, 2012
Dear Mrs Smith and Family, I worked with Brian at Edgerton School and I"m sorry for your loss. He was a wonderful teacher and both staff, students and parents liked him. His influence and guidance will live with his students. Marque Setevage APRN School Based Health Centers
Mr. & Mrs. Ron Fleet
April 29, 2012
Tania and Morgan, Your husband touched many lives, and will be missed.
Alison Quagan
April 28, 2012
I worked with Brian in New London and will always remember his intelligence, unique sense of humor, and big smile. My thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time.
Dawnia Lumadue-Parisek
April 27, 2012
Brian was my daughters fourth grade teacher at Edgerton. He was one of her favorite teachers. She is now the mother of two beautiful children and Brians passing has made her realize that time is marching on. our prayers are with you all at this time.
Dawnia Lumadue-Parisek
Dale & Stan Pac
April 27, 2012
Tania and Morgan, what can anyone say about this early departure of this amazing man. He has touched many lives and I am very sure that they will all be thinking and grieving, and hoping that all the love around you will get you and Morgan through this terrible ordeal. But just remember that their is a plan and that he will be watching and protecting you and Morgan until you meet again. Love, auntie Dale and uncle Stan
Lisa Raymond
April 27, 2012
It's hard to understand why people are taken from us, but find comfort in knowing you were a special part of such a well-lived life. May happy memories carry you through this sorrowful time. Memories are a legacy of love.
David Oberman
April 26, 2012
To my friend,the memories that we have will live forever...to think about the many lives you touched is staggering...Tania,Morgan,Joe,the teachers' in the New London school system and the hundreds of children that you taught right from wrong...As a friend there is nobody better....Heaven Now Has The Leader Of "Blassie's Army"!
Deanna Thibodeau
April 26, 2012
Tania and Morgan - My thoughts and prayers are with you both, I just can't imagine you without him. We will all miss him very much.
Corei Robinson
April 25, 2012
Mr kelly was teacher at edgerton elementary school back in the mid to late 80's he was always on top of teaching his students and others that werent in his personal class. I remember whenever i had a problem or just needed to talk he was always open no matter what was ggoing on. He was a great man, and awsome teacher, and a great teacher...r.i.p! may the lord continue to bless him and his family!
debi ouellette
April 25, 2012
Brian and his fur-buddy, Guillum
debi ouellette
April 25, 2012
Brian and his little girl Rum Raisin Cream Pie
Debi Ouellette
April 25, 2012
Brian and his fur buddy Guillum
Debi Ouellette
April 25, 2012
LINDA NEEDHAM
April 25, 2012
To Tania and Morgan-
Although we have never met I just wanted to let you know the impact Mr.Smith made on my daughter. She had him as a teacher in the 3rd grade. She is now heading to the 9th grade and was very upset to learn of his passing. I wish my daughter that is in the 1st grade now had the chance to have him as a teacher. My daughter would come home and would tell me stories about what happened in the class that day and it was always good stories. Thank you for sharing him with the students, and parents he will be dearly missed.
Linda Needham and Daelyssa Jenkins(student)
a Jennings Parent
April 25, 2012
Our whole school community is grieving with you. Whatever your spiritual/religious background, I hope you know there's a greater plan by a loving and just Father who wants a personal relationship with each one of us now and forever. Turn to Him and ask Him to light your way and He will. Look to the Bible, especially to Jesus' life, and see what so many others see: a child of Abraham, God in the flesh, and the author & perfector of a new way to have a relationship with our Creator, a way based on love & mercy versus obeying the laws. And yet if you do what He says, He says you will have a firm foundation to stand on in any storm (Luke 6:46-49, Matthew 7:24-29). I hope He is that rock for you now. Regardless, if there's breath, there's hope. Take one day at a time and know so many are supporting you and yours in their hearts, thoughts and prayers.
Ellen Easterling
April 25, 2012
He was my son's first grade teacher .He was so warm and caring ,You couldn't ask for a much nicer man.He surely will be missed but never forgotten.My prayer's go out to you.
Robin Harpell
April 25, 2012
Brian will be sorely missed in our school community. I worked with Brian at Winthrop for 4 years. He was an amazingly smart man. He new so much about many varied topics. He was a wonderly colleague. My heart aches for you and your family. May you lean on God, family and friends in this painful time. I pray that you can cling to your many memories and rest in the knowing that you will be together again one day in a glorious home in Heaven. Sincerely, Robin Harpell
Joseph Richards
April 25, 2012
To Tania and Morgan
I was a substitute teacher in New London before I was called to teach Sonar at Naval Submarine School after 9/11.
Brian was a great deal of support to other subs and myself as we taught many different classes.
I remember one time when I was covering a class of special ed. children and a child had a serious problem. Brian did not miss a beat and helped with the child's needs to include getting the emergency help the child needed.
I was saddened to hear of his passing.
Daneen Roth
April 25, 2012
What a wonderful young man when he was a student in my class, what a bright, witty, and kind colleague in the New London school system--what a loss to all who knew him and were fortunate enough to call him friend. May the family find comfort in knowing that its sorrow is shared and deeply felt by so many whose lives were brightened by Brian's smile and laughter.
margaret field
April 25, 2012
my thoughts and prayers are with you every day darling Tania xxxx
April 24, 2012
So long old friend. It was fun growing up with you. I never forgot you. See you some day on the other side......
Vince, MHS '76'
Terri Herrick
April 24, 2012
Tania and Morgan,
Although I never had the privilege of meeting Brian, I can see the love you had for each other in the pictures I have seen. What an amazing family! May your hearts be soothed in the knowledge that he will always be with you in spirit and protecting you from above. Love you!
Shannon Zavecz
April 24, 2012
Tania and Morgan my heart aches for the pain and emptiness the two of you are going thru. Please hold on to the wonderful memories you have of the wonderful man that completed your family.Know that he will always be watching over you from heaven,look for the signs and you will know that he is still very near,it may be a bird,a butterfly or a gentle breeze in your face but he will find a way to let you know he is still here with you.May your friends and family comfort you through this very difficult time.
April 24, 2012
We remember Brian fondly from our school days. It was heart warming to know he went on to become a much loved and respected teacher. God bless you all at this sad time. Fellow Class mates Montville High Class of 76.
Angela Moreira and Steve Haney
Irene Cyr
April 24, 2012
Dear Tania & Morgan, and family, Our sincerest condolences to you. I never met Brian, but Marcel did and only had great things to say about him. In fact Tania and I were just talking about us getting together. He will be truly missed by all. He was a great Husband, a wonderful (step) Father and Brother. May he rest in peace and my the Lord Look done upon you in your time of sorrow and help you through the time ahead. Irene and Marcel
Bernie Sikorski
April 24, 2012
Tania and Morgan - my thoughts and prayers are with you and Brian's extended family. He certainly was beloved by many and it's easy to see why. Here's hoping every day will get easier and that your memories will help you through this difficult time.
jessie laflamme- oakley
April 24, 2012
he was a good teacher he was my thrid grade teacher (that was 7 years ago) i like him as a teacher and a friend. My prayers go out to his family and friends.
Chief Lynn Malerba
April 24, 2012
To Joe & John, Tania & Morgan,
My sincerest condolences at the loss of your brother, husband and father. He was taken from you far too soon but I know he leaves behind his goodness in all your memories of him. His smile always came from his heart. We will all keep you in our hearts.
Chief Lynn Malerba
Kim & Ken Baker
April 24, 2012
Joe & Family - Please accept our deepest condolences. May the guidance of friends and family help you through this most difficult time. Our deepest sympathy.
Bonnie Gray
April 24, 2012
Dear Tania, Morgan, family and friends,
I had the privilege of teaching with Brian at Edgerton. Brian Smith...one-of-a-kind Renaissance Man. What a wonderful role model for the children and teachers in New London. His kind and loving spirit, along with the ever present humor, was truly a gift he shared. I have such fond memories of Brian and memories last forever. May your loving memories give you strength and peace now and in all the days to come.
Tricia Hird
April 24, 2012
I worked with Brian many years ago at Edgerton in New London. He was one of the funniest people I had ever met. He was genuine, kind, and incredibly intelligent. I feel lucky to have known him for even a brief time. I would like to extend my deepest sympathy to his family.
Betty Wise Harris
April 24, 2012
my heart goes out to the family and friends that had great pleasure in knowing mr smith as well I'm as myself.im greatful to have known mr.smith i was his student 17yrs ago at edgerton let me say ive have never met a teacher who cared much for his students im thankful for the patience that he had.when i found out he was going to be my daughters teacher and had pleasure in seeing him again i was so proud and greatful to find out it was mr. smith a wonderful life gone so soon i will never forget him sayn i will.never forget havn you for a student miss wise know i repeat same words .I will never forget MR.BRIAN SMITH
Sr. Bette-Jean Coderre
April 24, 2012
Dear Tania, Morgan, and Joe,
I was so sorry to hear about Brian. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Sister Bette-Jean Coderre
Sue Englund
April 23, 2012
Had the opportunity to work with Brian through data teams at Winthrop. He was a smart guy. No surprise to learn he was a Columbia undergrad. May memories of his gentle smile and kind face bring good thoughts to his family in this sad time.
April 23, 2012
Although I no longer live in the area, I have such fond memories of teaching in New London. I cannot think of Edgerton School without thinking of Brian. He was such a part of the spirit of that school, such a kind and gentle man. He was always ready to help or give advice, and he had that wonderfully dry sense of humor. Please accept my condolences on his passing, and know that he will be missed by many friends.
Carol DeLaura
Delaware
Rose Canneto
April 22, 2012
My condolences to the family.
April 22, 2012
Brian was an excellent teacher and friend. Brian and his family are in my thoughts and prayers.
-Renee Reis
May Reitz
April 21, 2012
When I think of Brian I can hear his voice and his distinctive laugh. He was such a unique person and I am so happy that Tania and Morgan had the chance to fulfill his life just like he seemed to have fulfilled their lives. He will be forever rembembered.
Rose Mary Gates
April 21, 2012
Tania and Morgan, may the love you have for Brian bring you strength and comfort.
Joyce-Marie (Andy) Barnes
April 21, 2012
May God Bless Tania, Morgan, Joe, and all who were fortunate enough to call you friend, cousin, nephew, colleague, teacher. You've touched so many lives with your generosity, humor and your gentle, quirky spirit. I am so thankful that I got to share part of your life, and that you ultimately found true happiness with your family. You've exemplified the true meaning of 'teacher', and left a legacy that won't be forgotten. I know in Heaven you'll be looking up Andre the Giant and Randy Savage, and going to concerts and having "Wildwood Days", while waiting for the Ardent Section and your beloved family to come back home. Well done. Godspeed my friend.
Corinne McOmber
April 21, 2012
Tania and Morgan,
Brian was a supportive colleague, an excellent teacher, and a quick witted friend. I loved working with him, and bumping into him around town. Brian could make me laugh and smile, but mostly, he made me think! He always extended any topic, especially those on politics and education, to a high level of intelligence. How truly blessed I was to know him.
I am very sorry for your loss,
Diana Cyr
April 21, 2012
Tania you wrote something so beautiful in the guest book.
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Meliss Valentin
April 20, 2012
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Cheryl
April 19, 2012
Tania always spoke so lovingly about you that it felt as if I knew you. You will be so very very missed.
Tania Smith
April 19, 2012
To my beloved Brian who's watching over us all now from Heaven. You were my life, my love and the man of my dreams. I never thought that I'd ever be so blessed as to have someone as good, sweet, smart, loving, and caring in my life. You made our lives complete, Morgan and I will never be the same. I know not how I will go on without you here every day to make me smile, to calm me, to reassure me and to tease me, but I know that I will try because you would expect nothing less. I'll love you forever my darling, and I take solice in knowing that your waiting in heaven for me to join you someday. Kisses sent to heaven.
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