Selwyn Smith

Selwyn J. Smith (1927-2024)
Selwyn J. Smith , 97, passed away peacefully on Saturday October 12th. Sel was born Sept 5, 1927, in Springfield to Morris and Charlotte (Hunter) Smith. Sel enlisted in the US Navy at age 17 and served on his ship the LSM 158 in the South Pacific during World War II.
Upon his return from active duty, after the War, he resided in Springfield where he met the love of his life Beverly Kimball. They were married in 1948 and celebrated 52 years together until Beverly’s passing in 2001. They raised two children, Diana and Barry, almost all of their growing up was on Winding Lane in Springfield, where Sel resided in the same home for 59 years. He moved into Emerson Manor in Longmeadow in 2017 and up until last week was still living on his own at age 97. He made a number of close connections there and everyone called him “Smitty” there. He actively participated in the events, highlighted by the dice game Left-Right-Center where he won 3 times in a short time span. That provided him with laundry quarters for a whole year.
After “Smitty” served in the Navy, he learned the auto body business from his father who owned Smith Auto Body, and he later partnered up to share ownership for many years. After they sold the business, he stayed employed until past the age of 80 with many different jobs and one of the most memorable was delivering Meals on Wheels. During the summertime, he would take his grandchildren Derek and Megan with him during summers to help. No money was exchanged but the promise of a Friendly’s lunch for Meg and fishing for Derek always seemed like a fair deal. He enjoyed traveling around the US, Canada and Europe. For many years, he and Beverly would spend the winters in Lake Worth, Florida. Sel liked playing golf at Veterans and Franconia, but his love was for fishing. Whether it was trout fishing Lake Lorraine, Spec Pond, the Enfield Pond or on the boat going for Stripers on the CT River in Old Saybrook. He always knew the fish would be biting around four/five o’clock.
“Gramp” was a caring Grandfather who attended nearly every Baseball, Softball or Volleyball game that Derek and Megan played in. Even when his eyesight wasn’t the best, he wouldn’t hesitate to tell you that the Ref or Ump missed that call. Another love of his was watching the Boston Celtics. A true fan that stuck with them the year they won like 24 games, but he did get to watch nearly every game this past season when won their 18th Championship.
Selwyn is survived by his son Barry (wife Debbie) his grandchildren Derek (wife Leah) and Megan (fiancé Avery Hale) as well as wonderful nieces and nephews.
He was predeceased by his wife Beverly, daughter Diana and sister Shirley Levine. The family would like to recognize and thank the Mercy Hospital team, particularly the 5th Floor, that took great care of him over his last days. Also, his home health aide Kendra who kept him looking good, well fed and made him cheerful during the past several months. There will be a graveside service at City of Homes cemetery in Springfield on Wednesday October 16th at 10:30 AM. Donations may be made to the Mercy Medical Center -Palliative Care, 271 Carew St, Springfield. MA 01104 or Shriners Children’s Pediatric Hospital, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104
Ascher-Zimmerman Funeral Home is making arrangements.