Thomas Smith Obituary

Smith Jr., Thomas J.

Thomas J. Smith Jr., 88, a former resident of North Barrington and Barrington Hills, IL, passed away peacefully at his home in Sewickley, PA on March 21st, surrounded by his family. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of Christ, Tom was known for boundless generosity, contagious humor, and a joyful optimism that lifted those around him. His instinct was always to give more than he took (including, at times, unsolicited golf advice). Born in Chicago Heights, IL, to Thomas, Sr. and Anne Smith, Tom grew up immersed in sports and developed a lifelong love of golf under the influence of his father, president of Olympia Fields Golf Club. He excelled particularly in basketball and graduated from Bloom High School with the American Legion Award for exceptional character and Americanism. At Denison University, he pursued communications and distinguished himself by captaining both the golf and basketball teams. After graduating in 1960, Tom served in the U.S. Navy, rising to Lieutenant (j.g.) and handling communications during the Cuban Missile Crisis. While stationed in California, he met his soulmate, Suzonne Lindsey, in San Francisco. He proposed within days, beginning a 61-year marriage he would always describe as his greatest blessing. Tom built a distinguished career in advertising, starting in the early 60s selling advertising time and writing copy for a radio station to leadership roles at major US ad agencies. After the Navy, he went to work for Tatham-Laird & Kudner in Chicago and Manhattan where he worked on prominent Procter and Gamble brands and became the youngest VP and shareholder in the company. He later served as President/CEO of Ketchum MacLeod & Grove in Pittsburgh, doubling the agency's size, and went on to lead Ketchum International adding offices in Hong Kong, Singapore, Turin and Paris to their network. Despite working in the "Mad Men" era, Tom was known for his integrity, humility, and notable lack of swagger. He later joined his sons at their namesake agency, Smith Brothers, continuing to work into his late 70s. He also served on numerous civic and nonprofit boards, including World Vision, The Pittsburgh Symphony, the Red Cross of Allegheny County, and Sewickley Academy, and over a dozen others. His faith was central to his life, reflected quietly through service, humility, and generosity. A lifelong golfer who enjoyed many competitive rounds as a member of Biltmore Country Club while he lived in Illinois, Tom found joy both in the game and in the stories that came with it. Above all, he loved deeply, welcomed everyone warmly, and filled his home with laughter and connection. His legacy is one of love in action. Tom was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Dolores Baron (Henry). He is survived by his beloved wife, Suzonne; his brother, Terry; his sons, Lindsey (Linda), Miles, and Bronson (Christine); and eight grandchildren. A funeral service will be held Friday, April 10th, at 10:00 AM at St. Stephen's Church in Sewickley, PA followed by a reception at Allegheny Country Club, also in Sewickley. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the American Heart Association or the Tunnel to Towers Foundation.

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