Obituary of Thomas P Smith

Thomas Powers Smith, 78, of Yonkers, NY, passed away Friday, July 10, 2020. Tom was equally passionate about cars and people and he will be greatly missed. Tom was born in Cleveland, Ohio to Ernest H. and Madonna E. (Powers) Smith on January 6, 1942. He graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Euclid and attended Kent State University. Tom served his country in the US Navy, active duty 1960-64 and reserves 1964-66. He was an aircraft engine mechanic on the carrier USS Independence, stationed out of Norfolk, VA. After serving in the Navy, Tom met and married Joan Beatrice McBride. They moved to Texas in 1979 and became owner/operators of a Midas Muffler Shop outside of Fort Worth. During retirement, Tom fulfilled his lifelong dream of building a large 6-bay garage to house and work on his cars, trailers, and assorted projects. After his wife's passing, Tom reconnected with Sharon Panessa, a friend who became his partner 18 months ago. They traveled together in Tom's RV, then settled in Sharon's home in Yonkers. Tom was a friendly personable guy who loved everything to do with automobiles and spent most of his career as a salesman. He enjoyed repairing, parting, restoring, driving, and racing American made cars and RVs. He is survived by his daughter, Maura Carlisle (John), son, Todd (Vicki) daughter, Lynn Caplinger (James); brother, Leonard Smith, sister, Kathryn Elicker (William), sister, Marie Lellis; grandchildren, Sarah and Elizabeth Carlisle, Alexander and Courtney Caplinger; 3 step grandchildren Joni Mooneyham, Julie Harner, Katy Freeman; and seven step great grandchildren. Tom was also preceded in death by his parents and younger brother, Kent Smith. Visitation will be Monday 2-5 PM, July 13, 2020 at the Sinatra Memorial Home, 499 Yonkers Avenue, Yonkers NY 10704. Final internment will be at the Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery.