Sam Smith

Sam Smith, formerly a longtime Westport resident, passed away peacefully at home in Southport at the age of 104 from natural causes on Tuesday, August 7th. Anyone who knew Sam, would acknowledge that he was an amazing man who led a very full life. Born in Katowitz, Poland, Sam was a victim of the Holocaust, the only member of his family to survive. He escaped from a concentration camp, joined the resistance forces for the last two years of World War II, found himself on the Communist side of the Iron Curtain when the war ended and managed to escape to the West. He married and emigrated to the United States in 1950. Teaching himself to speak, read and write English, he began a long career in construction rising to the position of foreman for the Disel Construction Company in New York City. Throughout his career he participated in major building projects in New York, Connecticut and Detroit. A voracious reader, Sam read everything that crossed his path in print and he was well known at Barnes and Noble, Westport, CT where he ordered everything from fiction, history, biographies, politics, and the latest best seller. He was always eager to engage in conversation and discuss current and historical events. He loved vodka martinis, a cold beer, sailing, celebrating everything, and he was well traveled. He was pre- deceased by his long- time companion, Nancy LaFrance. Sam is survived by his dear friend, companion and caregiver, Eileen Pirro of Southport. A Memorial Celebration service will be held on Saturday August 25 at the Sherwood Island 911 Memorial Pavilion at 4: 00 p. m. In lieu of flowers, your presence at the service is requested. For further information, or to offer an online condolence please visit www.SpearMillerFuneralHome.com.