Thomas Vincent Smith

Thomas Vincent Smith, 85, of Kensington, NH, passed away peacefully on Thursday, September 5, 2024, surrounded by the love of his family. Born in Queens, NY, to William J. and Margaret (Walsh) Smith, Tom grew up in Queens Village. He was a proud graduate of St. Joseph’s Novitiate in Barrytown, NY, and his love for learning led him to earn a degree from Catholic University in Washington, DC, and a master’s degree from Boston College. A gifted educator with an infectious passion for history and psychology, Tom left an indelible mark on every classroom he entered. Tom began his teaching career as a member of the Christian Brothers, an experience that deeply shaped him as a person. However, seeking more time with his family, he eventually left the order but his passion for teaching continued. He went on to teach in New York City and Long Island before finding his true home at Exeter High School in 1973. There, Tom taught World History, U.S. History, and Psychology until his semi-retirement in 2001. But Tom wasn't done teaching; his dedication to shaping young minds continued at Phillips Exeter Academy’s Summer Program from 1980 to 2016, where he also served as chair of the History and Humanities department for eight years. His courses, particularly "The Art of Being Human," became legendary, sparking the imagination of students worldwide. Known for his quick wit, Tom could recall exactly where each of his students sat, right down to "5th row, 3rd seat," and wasn’t shy about reminding them of it years later. Tom often joked that his real education began when he married the love of his life, Ann “Nancy” (Dore) Smith, in 1972. For 45 years, they were inseparable, sharing adventures from gardening to times spent with family on the Long Island Sound. He would often say, "I was a different man before I met Nancy," and it was clear she was his guiding star until she passed in 2017. Tom had a deep love for animals and was known for his compassion toward them. Along with his passion for cycling, he was a dedicated gardener, tending to his beautiful English garden with a koi pond. Tom also enjoyed skiing, coaching, and opera, and was a devoted Red Sox fan, particularly when they triumphed over the Yankees. His curiosity about the world knew no bounds, as he loved refinishing furniture, staying informed on current events, and engaging in lively debates over the dinner table." A fervent believer in democracy and the power of civic engagement, Tom never missed the opportunity to participate in the democratic process. His love for American history, particularly the Federalist Papers and the ideals of Alexander Hamilton, shaped his belief that voting was not just a right but a solemn responsibility. Long before "Hamilton" became a cultural phenomenon, Tom was an ardent admirer of the founding fathers' vision of a just and fair society. His commitment to voting in every election reflected his conviction that democracy thrives when citizens are informed and involved. He was a man of unwavering faith, which was not just a part of his life but its foundation. He lived his spirituality with humility and devotion, serving as a layperson in the Order of Discalced Carmelites, where he found profound meaning in contemplative prayer and simplicity. His deep relationship with God was evident not only in his service to the Church but in how he lived daily—with kindness, compassion, and an unshakeable trust in divine providence. Tom's faith was not something he wore lightly; it was the guiding force that sustained him through life's joys and sorrows, especially after the passing of his beloved wife Nancy. In the quiet moments of his life, whether tending to his garden or cycling through scenic trails, Tom found God's presence, and he sought to instill that same sense of peace and wonder in those around him. His faith was a testament to the belief that life is a sacred journey, filled with grace at every turn. Surviving family members include his daughter Elizabeth Ann “Lizzie” Ford and her husband William of Hampton; his son Thomas J. Smith and his wife Shawna Wakeham-Smith of Williston, VT, and their sons Asa Thomas, Gabriel Fox, and Jude Reginald; siblings William J. Smith and his wife Margaret, Bernadette Murphy and her husband Thomas of Omaha, FL, and Stephen Smith and his wife Judy of Commack, NY; sisters-in-law Barbara of Buffalo, NY, and Madelaine and her husband Bill of Huntington, NY; as well as several beloved nieces, nephews, and his grand-dogs Charlie and Tugg, and grand-cats Coraline and Lucia. In addition to his parents and wife, Tom was predeceased by his sister Kathleen Kohler and her husband Jimmy, his beloved mother-in-law Ann S. Dore, and his brother-in-law Joseph. The family would like to extend their gratitude to the dedicated staff at Rockingham VNA & Hospice and the compassionate nurses of RiverWoods Exeter. Their exceptional care and unwavering support during Tom’s final year provided immense comfort to both him and his family. The kindness, professionalism, and tenderness shown by these caregivers will forever be remembered. Their presence allowed Tom to spend his final moments in peace, surrounded by love, dignity, and respect. Visiting hours will be from 4-7 PM on Thursday, September 19, 2024, at Remick & Gendron Funeral Home-Crematory, 811 Lafayette Road, Hampton. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Friday, September 20, 2024, at St. Michael Church, Exeter. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited. Private interment will follow in the Village Cemetery, Kensington. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Bessie & Faith N. York Educational Fund, Town of Kensington, 95 Amesbury Road, Kensington, NH 03833, or to Make-A-Wish Vermont by clicking here. In the words of T.S. Eliot, “What we call the beginning is often the end, and to make an end is to make a beginning. The end is where we start from.”

Thomas Vincent Smith

January 2, 1939 - September 5, 2024