Obituary of Neil Smith

Neil Smith passed away peacefully, yet unexpectedly, on October 17. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, son and loyal friend, Neil was a proud and beloved lifelong resident of Deep River. Known for his fun-loving personality and playing practical jokes, Neil was an incredibly caring member of the community known for leaving stockings at the homes of those who may not otherwise have a Christmas. Neil worked for many years as Retail Manager of the Community Pharmacy before he and his wife, Sandy, became owners of The Finishing Touch & Valley Shore Video. In recent years, Neil turned to his true professional love of teaching. He was an adored, well-respected, and admired Language Arts teacher at Sterling Community School. Even in declining health Neil made every effort to continue teaching given his love and commitment to his students. Neil was a lifelong, at times broken-hearted, fan of the Red Sox and "the Bears" who also enjoyed golf and Deep River history, however his true love was his family. Neil is survived by his wife, Sandy, and daughter, Kimberly, both of Deep River, son, Christopher, of Dedham, Massachusetts, two amazing grandsons – Jack and Alex, sister, Jeannine Smith of Deep River, and mother, Marguerite (Bette) Smith of Deep River He was pre-deceased by his father, Neil. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Neil's memory to the Sterling Student Activity Fund, Sterling Community School, 251 Sterling Road, Sterling, CT 06377. Donations will directly benefit middle school students who would otherwise be unable to participate in school activities due to financial difficulties. Neil will be remembered at Deep River Congregational Church, 1 Church Street, Deep River, CT at 12:30 PM on Sunday, October 23rd. All are welcome - even Yankees fans