Obituary of Thomas Edward Smith

SMITH, Thomas E. ?Tommy?, formerly of Syracuse, NY, aged 61, passed away on Friday, March 25, 2005 at his home in Las Vegas, Nevada. He worked at Harrah?s Casino in Las Vegas. Born and raised in Paulsboro, NJ, Tommy lived a full and vibrant life. After graduating from Paulsboro High School, he attended Glassboro State College earning a Bachelor?s degree, then attended Maxwell School of Citizenship at Syracuse University for his Masters Degree. Tommy was an accomplished pianist and composer. His jazz quartet opened for Ella Fitzgerald at Buffalo Shea Theater. He played a significant role in organizing the Wescott/Syracuse Jazz Festival and worked for the New York Council of the Arts. His greatest loves were music and people. His hobbies were playing the piano, composing music, reading and playing chess with his children. Along with being an accomplished musician, Tommy also had a career in Human Services with many years of employment with the Division of Civil Rights in Washington, D.C., as well as a Hutchings Mental Health Facility in Syracuse, NY. He is survived by two sons, Tremond Edward of Washington, D.C. and Edric Hayden of Syracuse, NY; his parents, Etta Smith of Woodbury and Thomas C. Smith of Deptford; one brother, Terence Smith of Woodbury; three sisters, Patricia Smith West of Pennsauken, JoAnn Robinson Walter of Williamstown, and Guynell Smith-Lopez Warren of Franklinville; nieces, Tammi Robinson and Terri Brown Jaleel; great niece, Taylor, and great nephews, Michael and Jadan. Relatives and friends are invited to attend his viewing on Saturday morning from 8:30 to 10 A.M. at Second Baptist Church, Swedesboro Ave. & Pine St., Paulsboro, NJ, where funeral services will be held at 10 A.M. Interment Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Mt. Royal, NJ. ARR. By McGUINNESS FUNERAL HOME, Woodbury 800-993-0888 ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home?