August 15, 1937 - January 25, 2024
Lakewood Ranch, Florida - Sherman (Steve) J. Smith, 86, of Lakewood Ranch, Florida, passed away peacefully on January 25, 2024.
Steve was born in Philadelphia, PA to Joseph and Beverly Smith on August 15, 1937. He attended Lincoln High School through 1955. Steve enjoyed fellowship and lifelong friendships as part of the Northeast Chapter, Order of De Molay, which he joined in 1956. He became a brother of the Masonic Frankford Lodge No. 292 in 1960, and remained a proud, active Freemason for 64 years.
Steve had a long and successful career with Thom McCann Shoe Store. He was the Manager of multiple store locations throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey. After 40 years, he retired to enjoy life in the sunshine state with the love of his life, Anita B, whom he met in his Trenton shoe store in the spring of 1973. It was love at first sight, and they were married November 22, 1973. They enjoyed 50 wonderful years of marriage. They loved being together, sharing good times with their many friends, Key West, Disney World, Italy, and cruising to just about anywhere.
Steve is survived by his loving and devoted wife, Anita Baldassari Smith of Trenton, New Jersey. He leaves behind his daughter, Lynda Kopecki and her husband, Michael Kopecki; sister, Berenice Sireci; brother-in-law, Rick Baldassari (Jill); nephews, Keith Williams, Tony Baldassari (Kristin); nieces, Beverly Solito (Sherri), Loretta Swieconek, Jessie Baldassari; and many more great-nieces, nephews and godchildren.
Preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Beverly (Somers) Smith; in-laws, Harry and Peggy Baldassari; sisters, Beverly Mae Smith, Violet McCloskey; brothers-in-law, Lou Baldassari, Vincent Sireci Jr; niece, Berenice Stevenson; nephew, Vincent Sireci III.
Celebration of Life for Steve will be announced at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in his name.
