Jeffrey R Smith
March 30, 1968 ~ May 22, 2022
Resided in:
South Portland, Maine
South Portland - Jeffrey Smith, 54, passed away unexpectedly on May 22, 2022. The relatively short but incredibly impactful life of Jeff Smith began on March 30, 1968 in Portland, Maine. Jeff was born to Stephen and Margaret Smith.
He graduated from Deering High School in 1986 and later from the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMASS Amherst with a degree in Turf Management. As a young boy, Jeff was always a hard worker. A trait he likely learned from his dad; Jeff didn't stop until the work was done. Jeff was the kind of kid who would mow the neighbor’s lawn, shovel out the fire hydrants after the snowstorm, and gave his all to everything he did.
In the early 2000's, Jeff met Delia Sloan through friends in Portland. Little did either of them know or expect, that would be the beginning of a short, but love and faith filled life together. Jeff and Delia were married on November 23, 2002, after his working season ended, of course. When Delia asked Jeff how he knew she was the one, he recalled a trip they took the year prior. In true Jeff form, his response revolved around the fact that she was up and ready to go at 4AM, without either of them having to wait to leave. His incredible work ethic served him well throughout his life. He began his career as the superintendent at The Woodlands. He was proud his golf course was chosen to host the PGA Tour. Later, and most recently, he worked at Prouts Neck Country Club. His friend and co-worker, David Libby, commented on Jeff's incredible work ethic by stating, "There isn't a single feature on the course that Jeff hasn't either built from scratch or enhanced." David went on to say, "I never worried if something would be done properly if Jeff was sent to accomplish a task. He was a force."
Jeff was well known for his hard work; and he had the right cause to work so diligently - his family. Jeff and Delia settled down in South Portland and started their family on the foundations of love and mentorship. Jeff was just that - an incredible mentor to his 3 amazing sons.
Family was absolutely everything to Jeff, and the sole reason for his existence. Jeff loved Delia and his children with his whole heart. Every fiber of his being was dedicated to improving the lives of his family. He gave all of himself to his wife and sons.
Jeff was the kind of dad who was at every single event, but not just to watch. He was a Cheverus dad through and through. Jeff was there early to set the field up, run to fill the cooler up for the kids, come back and watch the game from the closest possible spot on the sidelines, always there, rain or shine.
Jeff was the kind of dad who taught his sons to leave the world better than the way you found it. He was the type of dad who taught respect by giving respect and by teaching them to always be a giver, never a taker. He was the type of dad who took the wonderful life lessons his parents taught him and shared them with his own kids. He was the type of dad who taught his kids the value of hard work, and to never give any less than your absolute best. He was the type of dad who led by example. He was the type of dad who taught his sons how to love. Even in death, he continues to teach his sons not to take for granted the love this life gives you. Simply put, Jeff was the type of dad that showed up.
Jeff did everything for his wife and children. If he had the choice between going out with friends or going home to hang with his family, he chose family every time. Even though he placed tremendous value on his work, if Delia needed something, he dropped everything to help. Whether it was setting up booths at the Holy Cross Christmas Fair, helping her deliver goodies to those she works with, helping to shovel her co-workers out during a snow storm, or maintaining the little league field so he and his wife could watch their children play or coaching his sons in youth athletics, everything he did surrounded her and their sons.
Even the simple things like running errands, in Jeff's opinion, it was better if Delia was by his side. There was nothing in life that held a candle to Jeff's family, but it was the simple things in life that Jeff enjoyed. It was watching the snowplows go by, watching the birds at Prouts Neck, chasing the storms, and above all except his family, it was DIRT.
Jeff is survived by his beloved wife, Delia (Sloan) Smith of South Portland; his sons who he was incredibly proud of, Braden, Rilan and Shea Smith all of South Portland; parents, Stephen and Margaret Smith of Falmouth ; siblings, Jennifer Whittier and husband Frank of Cumberland, Cynthia Grant and husband David of Lexington, South Carolina; his beloved dog, Autry; and several extended family members and friends.
Visiting Hours celebrating his remarkable life will be held on Thursday, May 26 from 4-8PM at the Conroy-Tully Walker South Portland Chapel, 1024 Broadway, South Portland. Prayers will be recited at the funeral home on Friday, May 27 at 9AM followed by a 10AM Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Cross Church, 124 Cottage Road, South Portland. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Cheverus Athletics Department by visiting https://www.givecampus.com/campaigns/22923/donations/new?a=4769351
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We are heartbroken to hear of Jeff’s passing. He was a good man, always with a smile, working with his sons in our yard and neighborhood. We will miss his good work, his kindness, observing him teaching a strong work ethic as he worked along side his sons, and his generous and ever present smile. He always made you feel good because he was always happy to see you. Our condolences to his family and friends. Peter and Nancy Bolduc
– Peter Bolduc
Delia, sending my love to you and your boys! Im so very sorry. Susan Dunn
– Tribute Store
May Jeffery enter Gods warm loving embrace and rest in peace. He will be missed but not forgotten.
– David Jacobs
Thinking of you and the family during a difficult time.It has been a pleasure knowing and working with Jeff. I will miss him. Ron Borys
– Dawn Borys
Our deepest condolences to Delia, Braden, Rilan, Shea and their Family.
– The Maine Medical Center Radiology Department
With deepest sympathy,
– Bill and Wendy Carpenter
Please accept our most heartfelt sympathies for your loss… Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
– Billy, Ruth and Family
Jeff had a heart of gold and was a great football coach to my son Peter. I just spoke with him at the Cheverus Prom and he was so proud of his sons! Just a wonderful life.
– Douglas Jones
Our deepest condolences to you and your family, may fondest memories help you face tomorrow.
– Tribute Store
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Homes – South Portland Chapel
– A Memorial Tree was planted for Jeffrey Smith
In deepest sympathy, you and the boys are in our thoughts and prayers.
– Love Robert & Chris Hancock
We pray the love of God enfolds you during your journey through grief.
– With love to Delia and the boys. The McCulloughs (Cheverus)
To the Smiths my heart breaks for you all ! I thought a grove of 3 trees would be most meaningful given what Jeff did and for his 3 boys
– Colleen Sullivan Tetzlaff
Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your hearts. Praying for your family.
– The Cassidy Family
Our warmest condolences,
– Tribute Store
It’s taken me a few days to share because I’m still stund that Jeff is gone. I met the Smith’s in 2005 when I worked at a daycare in Portland, I took care of infants and had Rilan when he was 5mos.old, it was pure love at first site, he was glued to my side and I cherished every minute, then came Shea who was born on my birthday birthday!! Another baby for me to love on, I have loved all the Smith boys since, Jeff was a remarkable guy, husband and father. I love you Delia, Braden, Rilan and Shea and I’m incredibly sorry for your loss. Terri (aka) TT
– Terri Sterling
I was so saddened to hear of Jeff’s passing. I was a caretaker for his sweet children at the Back Cove Childcare Center. He was indeed a dedicated father and husband. He was always so friendly and appreciative of the staff caring for his boys. My deepest sympathy go out to Delia, Margaret and her husband , and the boys. Fondly, Anne Joyce
– Anne Joyce
Our condolences to you and your family.
– SurePoint Technologies