Kevin B. Smith

1972 - 2016

Easthampton, Mass. - Kevin B. Smith, 44, of Easthampton, passed away peacefully on Friday, Sept. 2, 2016, surrounded by his family and friends.

Born in Hartford, on Jan. 10, 1972, he was the son of Paul and MaryEllen Smith of Niantic.

He is survived by his parents; his sister, Alicia Walsh and her husband, Dan, and three nephews.

Kevin grew up in the town of East Lyme and was a graduate of East Lyme High School. He continued his education in Ohio, graduating from Marietta College. Following his graduation, Kevin returned to Connecticut for a short time and then moved on to New York City where he worked in commercial banking. During his time in New York, he had the misfortune to witness the horrific happenings of September 11th, a day that stayed with him for a very long time.

He later relocated to Easthampton, Mass., a place he happily lived as an active member of the local music scene. He played drums in the band National Carpet. He also expressed his creativity through drawing and playing other musical instruments. Kevin also enjoyed politics. He participated in the process by campaigning in both local and national elections.

Kevin was diagnosed with metastatic colon cancer in 2009. He outlived his poor prognosis by many years because of his "it is what it is" attitude and his willingness to participate in many, some of which were Phase I, clinical trials. It was his wish that he could help others who would come after him, even knowing he, himself, would never be cured. He truly helped to start the next chapter in treatment options.

Visitation with family and friends will be from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Sept. 10, at the Thomas L. Neilan & Sons East Lyme Funeral Home, 48 Grand St., Niantic. There will be a memorial service at noon after the visitation, also at the funeral home.

Donations in his honor may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, 450 Brookline Ave., Boston, Massachusetts 02215-5450 http://www.dana-farber.org or the Cancer Connection, 41 Locust St., Northampton, MA 01060 http://www.cancer-connection.org.