Thomas John Smith's Obituary
Thomas (Tom) John Smith, age 80, passed away on September 30, 2022, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He showed a fierce courage and utmost dignity in facing the most difficult of his life’s challenges. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Tom stayed strong throughout.
Tom was born on April 4, 1942, to John C. Smith and Irene M. Smith [Burke] in Cleveland, Ohio. Upon graduating from Cathedral Latin High School in 1960, he went on to study Political Science at Syracuse University on a football scholarship. He went on to earn his degree and graduate from John Carroll University.
After graduating, he started his first job at Independent Towel & Supply as Operations Manager. He later worked for Cuyahoga County and The Ohio Lottery Commission as Business Manager. Thereafter, he opened T&S Construction, a small family business that he operated with his sons until his retirement.
In 1962, one fateful afternoon Tom met his loving wife of 59 years, Kathleen Kelly at his Aunt Maggie’s house in Cleveland, Ohio. It was love at first sight. They married on April 20, 1963. Thereafter, Tom and Kathleen went on to have 10 children: Sean (Beth), Colleen (Kevin), Maureen (Philip), Brian (Gaye), Eileen (John), Thomas (Susan), Kevin (Tami), James (Toni), Kathleen (T.J.), and Michael (Kassie). These ten children, and their respective families, evolved into the foremost point of pride in Tom’s life.
He was a proud Irishman. Tom loved a good story and could tell an even longer one! He was blessed with the Irish “gift of gab”. You may remember being on the receiving end of the proverbial opening “to make a long story short” which without fail proved an impossibility. For several years, Tom was the President of The Cleveland Feis, an Irish step dancing competition held in the greater Cleveland area. He was also formerly very active in the Irish American community. Tom’s great escapes were getting lost in an intriguing audio book, an action or western movie, or a good old-fashioned nap.
Tom was predeceased by his parents and sister, Constance (Connie) McGinty [John]. He was a loving brother-in-law, uncle, and great uncle to many. He is survived by his grandchildren: Colin (Emily) Smith, Corey Smith, Brennan Smith, Christopher (Emily) Reichert, Patrick (Kristi) Reichert, Brian (Casey) Reichert, Adam (Brook) Reichert, Kaylee Reichert, Aubree Reichert, Chase Kiriazis, Sam Kiriazis, Katarina Kiriazis, Madeline Smith, Ian Smith, Grace Smith, Sawyer Estok, Cooper Estok, Piper Estok, Meagan Smith, Joe Wozniak, Briana Wozniak, Gianni Depaola, Brendan Smith, Tyler Buckley, Kyle Buckley, Danny Shepherd, and Dylan Smith; and his great-grandchildren Elliot, Vivian, Liam, Graham, Urban, Collette, Finley, and Clara.
Family and friends will be received for visitation at Sunset Memorial Chapel in North Olmsted on Sunday, October 9, 2022 from 12-4:00PM and for a funeral service the following day, Monday, October 10, 2022, at 10:00AM
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