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Eric Smith Obituary
Eric "Speed" Smith of West Orange, New Jersey, passed away unexpectedly on November 27, 2025 at the age of 55.
Eric was born August 17, 1970 in Quincy, Illinois to Ronald and Karen Smith. He graduated from Quincy Senior High School in 1988.
Eric learned the fundamentals of stagecraft from his high school theater teachers Tom Burnett, Kathi Dooley, and Dan Sherman, among others. Upon graduation, Eric and his best friend Joseph Rudd made their way to a summer-stock theater on Long Island. There at Gateway Playhouse in Bellport, New York, under the supervision of set designer and fellow Quincyan Michael Boyer, Eric and Joe worked on numerous musicals, many of which became touring productions.
Eric travelled across the country and around the world with various shows, joining the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees Local 311. Eric worked under production contract on numerous Broadway shows, including Titanic, Motown, 9 to 5, White Christmas, Dracula, Memphis, The Wedding Singer, A Catered Affair, Something Rotten, and Mean Girls. He later became a proud member of New York City Theatrical Protective Union Local One of the IATSE.
He is survived by three children, Samuel O'Connell Smith, Jack Everett Smith, and Lily Emma Smith.
He is preceded in death by his father, Ronald Smith, and an infant daughter, Emma Irene. Also surviving are his mother Karen Smith, a brother Scott Smith (Janet Gengenbacher) of Liberty, Illinois, and nephews Walker Smith (Aly Schlepphorst) and great-nephew Baker Smith, Wyatt Smith, and a niece Amelia Smith.
We will all miss his smile, his laugh, and his infectious love for life. Every time Speed walked into the theatre, the stage became a bit brighter. He was always generous with his love for his friends and family. Rest in peace, dear brother.
Celebrations of his life will take place in New York City and Quincy, Illinois in the near future with details to be announced. Memorial contributions for the surviving children may be made on the GoFundMe page for Eric "Speed" Smith.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
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