James Thomas Smith
January 2, 1996
James T. Smith, 86, of 29 Broadway, Rockport, died yesterday morning at
Addison Gilbert Hospital.
Mr. Smith was born on Nov. 18, 1909, in Brooklyn, NY to the late James
Thomas Smith and Anne Gertrude (Comerford) Smith DeFoe.
A well- known singer on the North Shore, Mr. Smith was formerly past president
of the Rockport Community Chorus and soloist (baritone) at St. Bartholomew Church in New York
City. While a patrolman for the Mid-Town Squad of the New York City Police Department, he was a member of the New
York City Policemen's Chorus.
Before moving to Rockport, he was an innovative program director at the
Frederick Douglas Center of he Children's Aid Society in Harlem, N.Y., where he vas recognized
for helping children learn to read by enlisting the assistance of Broadway
professionals in putting on plays.
An avid sailor, Mr. Smith Was also a member of the Sandy Bay Yacht Club and, at one
time, owned the schooner Mad Queen, which he spent many years sailing.
Mr. Smith is survived by his close friend, Marilyn O'Connell of Rockport;
a sister, Florence DeFoe Kish, wife of George Kish, both of Florida; a niece,
Jannine Cyr Metevier, wife of George Metevierr of Maine; a niece, Caroline
DeFoe Reiss, vvife of Randy Reiss, of California; and a nephew, Robert DeFoe
of Florida.
He was predeceased by his wife, Yvonne (Cyr) Smith and a brother, Harold, husband of Ruth
DeFoe, of Florida
A funeral service will be held tomorrow, at 1:30 p.m., in the Burgess and
Mackey Funeral Horne, 177 Mains St., Rockport.
Burial will be held in Locust Grove Cemetery, Lanesville.
Contributions may be made in his memory to the Rockport Public Library, 15
School St., Rockport, Mass., 01966.
