Paul B. Smith

1938 - 2022

Niantic - Paul B. Smith, 83, of Niantic passed away peacefully at home Jan. 7, 2022, with his loving daughter, his biggest fan, by his side. He was born Feb. 4, 1938, in Hartford to Katherine and William Burke Smith. Paul was predeceased by his son, Kevin, with whom he shared a love of music; and by his siblings, William Burke Smith Jr. (Jennifer), Julia Parker, Margaret Dowd (Bud) and their son, Michael.

Paul is survived by his beloved wife MaryEllen Smith. They were faithfully and happily married for 55 years. He is also survived by his daughter Alicia Walsh and her husband Daniel, of Niantic; his grandsons, Riley, Jack and Luke; his brother-in-law and dear friend Thomas F. Parker of Niantic; and his nieces and nephews, each of whom he adored.

Paul was a graduate of Old Saybrook High School and the University of Hartford. He served in the United States Coast Guard reserves. Paul was a teacher for Hartford, Old Saybrook, and East Lyme Public Schools. He also coached at the high school and youth levels for many years. He was active in town politics, having served on the Zoning Commission and Board of Selectmen for the town of East Lyme.

He was a lifelong member of the Niantic Bay Yacht Club where he was an active sailor, a volunteer, a regular card player, and fun staple at countless social events. He was usually the first on the dance floor and typically one of the last to leave a good party. In retirement, Paul and MaryEllen were fortunate enough to spend winter months in Florida, for many years, where they continued to stay active and enjoy each other's company.

He was also involved in many less formal groups over the years, including the church going Muffin Men, a "gourmet" dinner group, the ClamBake Six, the Buzzards softball team, and in his retirement, a regular golf foursome and Bridge groups for many years. Sports were a big part of his life. As a natural athlete, he played soccer, basketball and baseball in high school, and one year of organized football in prep school, where he broke the team's receiving record. In his golfing days, he was lucky enough to have shot a hole in one, twice.

He was a Red Sox and UConn fan and he never missed a NY Giants game or one of his daughter's games. Even with all of that, he always said his favorite sport was tailgating.

Paul was as authentic as they come and blessed with a kind heart, a good nature, and silly sense of humor. He was easily brought to laughter and it was contagious. It is these traits that made it easy for him to form so many friendships along the way, several of which were lifelong.

A mass of Christian Burial will take place at 10 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 5, 2022, at St. Agnes Church. Due to covid concerns, there are no calling hours. A celebration of life is planned for this summer.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his honor can be made to The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research (michaeljfox.org) or the Miracle League of Southeastern CT (mlsect.org).

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared on Mr. Smith's memorial page at www.neilanfuneralhome.com.