Thomas H. Smith ’67

KITTERY POINT, Maine – Captain Thomas H. Smith, 68, of Kittery Point, Maine passed away from his brave battle with Bladder cancer on January 18, 2015 at Wentworth Douglas Hospital. He was born in Methuen, Mass. on January 29,1946 and moved to Kittery Point Maine with his parents when he was 12. He was a graduate of Traip Academy in 1963. He attended Maine Maritime Academy in Castine Maine and graduated in 1967. He then took his love for the sea and joined the Merchant Marines which began his 30 year journey across the world with the Lykes Lines Steamship Company based out of New Orleans, Lousianna. He retired as the Captain of the SS Stella Lykes at 50 and began to enjoy new adventures of his life with his wife and family. He served as treasurer and longtime member of the Seaocast Capter of Maine Maritime Academy Alumni and member of the Kittery Port authority. Tom is survived by his loving wife of 35 year Mary Ann (Cherbinis) Smith, His Daughter Katherine McLaughlin of Barrington and his Best Buddy, grandson Evan Bush. His sister Gerona Irwin resides in Londonderry with her husband Bill as well as many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his Father Wilbur H. Smith Sr., mother Ruth (Seisig) Smith and his Brother Wilbur H. Smith Jr.

In his younger days he enjoyed New England with weekends of skiing and snowmobiling at his Camp that he built in Sweeden Maine. Tom’s travels continued with the Canary Islands in Novembers, St Maarten in February’s. His love of boating and the sea has been passed down to his grandson Evan. The son of a sailor has learned how to navigate the sea’s and pilot his own boat. Every weekend in the summer Tom and the Isle of Shoals crew would meet and enjoy the turns of the tides.

He was an wonderful man and an amazing mentor for his grandson, in his Best Buddies words ” You inspired me to be a good person and to keep me going with my dream of a mega yacht -Bumpa, Tom Smith in memory of this caring sole, you made my life a better a place, you have a very, very important place in my heart. I love you, Evan.”

Friends are invited to visit with Thomas family on Saturday, January 24, 2015, from 3:30-7 in the JS Pelkey Funeral Home, 125 Old Post Road, Kittery, Maine. The ringing of the Bells for the passing of a sailor will be held at 6 p, m.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his memory to the Seacoast Chapter Fund Attn: Development Office Maine Maritime Academy Pleasant St Castine, Maine 04420. Care for the Smith family has been entrusted to the JS Pelkey Funeral Home.