Obituary of Brian Paul Smith

Brian Paul Smith, age 72, of Trumbull passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2015 in his home with his loving family by his side. He was married to the love of his life and best friend, Elizabeth Cellini Smith for 41 years, until her passing in 2010. Born in Bridgeport on March 19, 1943, he is a son of the late Irving James Sr. and Mabel Wilmont Smith. A U.S. Navy veteran, Brian served aboard the USS George Washington and USS Albacore, which are nuclear submarines. He was a retired employee of the telephone company, where he had 40 years of dedicated service. Brian was an avid antique collector who enjoyed repairing and refinishing antiques. He was a talented woodworker and loved fly fishing, hunting and spending time outdoors. Brian loved all animals especially his dog Hannah and many grand-dogs. He treasured summers spent with his family at their 2nd home at Crystal Lake in Enfield, NH. Above all else, Brian was a devoted and loving grandfather. His survivors include, loving children, a son, Daniel Smith and a daughter, Maura Smith Palermo and her husband Jeff. He also leaves behind his adoring grandchildren, Rebecca Ann Palermo and James David Palermo. Brian is also survived by his brother, Kenneth Smith and his wife Jean, his sister-in-law, Mary Markham, cousin, Cathy Miller Thomas, with whom he shared a special bond, and many more cousins, aunts and uncles. Brian also leaves behind many beloved nieces and nephews; Danielle Persico and her husband, Randy, Sean Markham and his wife, Kimberly, Christopher Markham, Jeff Smith and his wife Barbara, Lauren Smith, Kelly Smith, Lynn Smith Fuchs and her husband Dave, Brian Gardner-Smith and his wife Sharon. In addition to his parents, Brian was predeceased by his brother, Irving Smith Jr., and his father and mother-in-law, Daniel and Virginia Cellini. A Memorial Mass celebrating Brian's life will take place on Wednesday, April 29, 2015 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Theresa Church, 5301 Main Street, Trumbull. Interment will be private and at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 2969 Whitney Ave., Hamden, CT 06518.