Obituary of George C. Smerthee

George Carver Sumrell Smerthee, 75, of Danbury, passed away on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 at Western Rehabilitation Center. He is survived by his sisters Carolyn (Sumrell) Wilkins of Culver City, CA and Michele (Marvin) Saavedra-Slappey, of Waterbury, CT, nephews and nieces Andres L. (Rebecca) Saavedra, Julian (Elizabeth) Saavedra, Wesley R. Saavedra and Rayna V Saavedra; great-nieces and nephews, Alexa V Kinion, Josh Turner, Abram and Amalia E. Saavedra, and two stepsisters, Mamie (Earl) Short and Mary Alice Harrison, of CT, along with numerous cousins. George resided in Danbury and Ridgefield for over 20 years with Ability Beyond Disability. He was a cashier at The Black Cat Coffee Shop and a greeter at Ability Beyond’s front office.

Born in Brooklyn, NY on January 19, 1944, George spent his formative years in Hempstead, attending Hempstead High School. He was a talented artist, played the saxophone, excelled in chess and wanted to be an Air Force pilot. He loved sports, jazz, westerns, good food and his family. We all remember his intelligence, determination and quick wit, despite enduring years of medical challenges. He lived boldly, always took the road less traveled and lived life on his own terms. He was predeceased by his father, Ray Smerthee, his mother, Victoria W. Sumrell, and stepfather Elbert T. Sumrell. Interment will be at Pine Grove Cemetery in Waterbury at the family’s convenience.

Contributions in George's memory may be made to Ability Beyond, 4 Berkshire Blvd., Bethel, CT 06801.