Michael A. “Mike” “Smitty” Smith, a lifelong Norwich resident died peacefully on Saturday, April 22, 2023 in the comfort of his home.
Mike was born in Norwich on December 28, 1952, the son of James and Rosemary (Shortslef) Smith. Mike attend Norwich City Schools and graduated with the class of 1970. In high school, he was captain of the football team, the baseball team, and a player on the basketball team. Mike worked as an adult as a property manager in Norwich for senior housing and in Oneonta for Hanaford Real Estate. He also worked as a bartender at the Music Shop Pub, the Blarney Stone Pub, and Taylor’s Country House among other places.
Mike was an excellent athlete. He will be remembered as the coach of the infamous Ray Lodge softball team which placed 12th at the American Softball Association National Championship games in 1981 in Redding, CA. He became an avid golfer as an adult and bowled at the Norwich Bowling Center bowling league. Mike was a diehard Syracuse, Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cleveland Browns fan.
Mike is survived by his wife, Beverly (Manley) Smith, of Norwich; children, Brendon Phillips (Trish Spencer), of Norwich, Shylo (Bruce Bresee) Sherman, of Plymouth, Khyle Sherman, of Norwich; grandchildren, Esper Phillips, Lillian Phillips, Collin Fern, McKenzie Kampe, Allysson Kampe, Cierra (Grant Wessels) Sherman, Caydence Sherman, Cassius Sherman, Carter Sherman, Hunter Sherman and William Sherman Jr., Elyssa Bresee, Dylan Bresee, Siennah Bresee, Monica Bresee, Kiara Sherman, Kayla Sherman, Elyce Sherman, and Tyrus Sherman; great-granddaughter, Wrenlee Wessels; siblings, Bill (Bonnie), Jim (Debbie Wheeler) Smith, and Terri (Dick) Hawley, and countless friends.
He was predeceased by his parents; twin sister, Michele Bessett; son, William Sherman; good friend, John Mancini; and favorite dog, Seabass.
Mike’s family wishes to thank Hospice the great care and love they gave Mike during the last few months. He truly loved seeing “his girls.”
Mike lived the words of encouragement “you play the cards you’re dealt,” inspiring all he met or heard of to keep a positive attitude and to not give up. He would write heartfelt messages to those with debilitating accidents to not give up, like Mike had not following his accident.
A brief memorial service for Mike will be held at 4:00 p.m., Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Wilson Funeral Home, where the Deacon David Kirsch will officiate. Friends are invited to call at the Wilson Funeral Home, in Norwich, from 2:00 p.m. until the time of the service. Contributions in memory of Mike may be made to the Hospice and Palliative Care of Chenango County, 33-39 Court Street, Norwich, NY 13815.
To leave the family a message of condolence, please visit the funeral home website at: www.wilsonfh.com.