Paul Martin Smith, formerly of Goshen, died Feb. 24, 2023 after a hard-fought battle with lung cancer.
Paul was born on May 16, 1961, the seventh child of the late Ernest and Wanda MacPhee Smith. Although our family’s sadness is profound, our joy and appreciation for the blessing of Paul will sustain us now and forever. Paul graduated from Goshen High School, worked as a technician for Time Warner Cable, and retired in 2018. Gifted with a keen wit, a generous spirit, and a passion for life, Paul composed the following statement:
“I grew up in a large household with nine sisters and one older brother. I could never get a word in edgewise. Now I get the last word. My life jumpstarted when I retired at age 56 and became the little boy who always wanted to play the guitar. After a lot of work and daily practice I could just play. It was amazing to me. I made some really good friends learning to play and had the best time of my life going down a road I’d never been down before.”
Along that road, Paul met the kind, exceptionally talented musician Steve Poltz, one of several musician-storytellers who encouraged Paul. Much to Paul’s delight, his family arranged for Steve to perform at a celebration of Paul’s life a few weeks ago in Goshen. Paul also performed at this wonderful evening with family and friends, making it a realized dream.
Paul is survived by his siblings: Dr. Deborah Smith of Silver Spring, MD; Andrea Smith of Ithaca, NY; Alanna Smith (Peter Devito) of Goshen; Leah Pengel (Larry) of Stoughton, MA; Peter Smith (Isabel) of Fayetteville, NC; Neila Smith of Southbury, CT, Sheilagh Smith of Chelsea, VT; Stephanie Smith of Elmira, Prince Edward Island; and Aimee Smith-Bywater (William) of New Windsor. He was predeceased by his sister Antoinette “Toni” Smith DeGoede. Paul is also survived by many nieces and nephews and an abundance of relatives from our beloved Prince Edward Island, the place our mother was born and raised, and where she met our father.
Paul deeply appreciated recent visits with Sr. Ann Daly, PBVM, his third grade teacher at St. John’s in Goshen who sometimes called her energetic student “Buddy Boy.” In her honor, when Paul performed, he called himself “Buddy Boy Smith.” Along with the entire Smith family, Paul would like to thank the home Hospice nurses who gently helped him during his final months.
The family is ever grateful to our spiritual benefactor, St. Martin de Porres. Paul was thrilled to visit with many friends during his final months who helped to “walk him to his final home.” Paul noted that as the Buddha says, “The trouble is, you think you have time.”
A memorial gathering will be scheduled and announced at a later date. Charitable contributions in Paul’s honor can be sent to Goshen Generosity Challenge, helping Goshenites in need, c/o 137 Murray Ave., Goshen, NY 10924, or by Venmo @goshengenerosity.