Thomas M. Smith Sr., a former resident of Harriman, passed away on Monday, September 27, 2021 in Monroe, North Carolina. He was 68 years old.
The son of George I. Smith and Veronica Beams Smith, he was born on July 2, 1953, in Leominster, Mass.
Tom was a maintenance worker for Pep Boys in Chester. He was a 48-year member of Harriman Engine Company #1, where he served two terms as president from 1989-1991 and 2006-2010. He was past chief of the Harriman Fire Department from 1985-1988; and a member and past vice chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners for the Monroe Joint Fire District, serving from 2011-2019.
Tom was an avid New York Yankees fan, who loved watching the games with his sons, and later, his grandsons. He also coached both of his sons in Monroe-Woodbury Little League.
One of Tom’s proudest accomplishments was his role in forming the Monroe Joint Fire District, which involved an extensive 30-year study and fact-finding research. He was elected to the first Board of Commissioners and took office on Jan. 1, 2011, serving nine years as vice chairman. His dedication, hard work and perseverance was instrumental in successfully reaching the goal of providing this great service to the community.
Survivors include his son Kevin M. Smith of Monroe, North Carolina; daughter Jennifer L. Buenau and her husband Michael of Monroe, North Carolina; brothers George Smith of Monroe, New York, and David Smith of Monroe, North Carolina; sisters Cheryl Smith of St. Louis, Missouri, Valerie Rose of Monroe, North Carolina, and Margaret DeGrote of Highland Mills; four grandchildren: Michael Jr., William, Thomas and Kayla; his former wife Dorothy M. Smith-Mowris; nieces, nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his son, Thomas M. Smith Jr., parents George and Veronica Smith, and brother Stephen Smith.
Visitation will be on Monday, Oct. 4, from 5-8 p.m. at Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Home, 515 Route 32, Highland Mills.
A funeral service will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 5, at 11 a.m. in the funeral home. Interment will follow at Cemetery of the Highlands in Highland Mills.
Memorial contributions may be made to Harriman Engine Company #1, P.O. Box 26, Harriman, New York 10926.
Arrangements by Smith, Seaman & Quackenbush, Inc. Funeral Homes, Highland Mills (845 782-8185 or www.ssqfuneralhome.com).