Paul Smith
PAUL SPENCER SMITH age 68, beloved husband for 25 years of Karen (nee Drexler); cherished son of the late Francis and Gertrude (nee Kapitz); dearest brother of Anne Clausen, Tom Smith (wife Rose) and the late Richard; loving son-in-law of Virginia and the late Raymond Drexler; treasured brother-in-law of Patricia and Tom Ackerman, Steven Drexler and the late Richard and Gerald Drexler; dear uncle and great-uncle of many.
Paul was born on March 20, 1955 in Cleveland, Ohio and resided in South Euclid for 68 years. In 1973 he graduated from St. Joseph High School and received his music degree in 1977 from Bowling Green State University. After earning his Master’s Degree from the Institute of Music in Cleveland, Paul remained at the Institute to share his talent by teaching. As a professional musician, he was highly sought out to play taps and military hymns at countless funerals as military honors for veterans, and to play at weddings in most Catholic churches in the diocese. During his free time, he enjoyed tending to his tropical fish and cheering on the Cleveland Browns, Cavs and Indians. Paul was highly intelligent and chivalrous with a wonderful sense of humor. Above all, he was highly devoted to his wife and his faith. Paul passed away on February 6, 2024 and will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.
Mass of Christian Burial Friday, February 16, 2024 at Church of the Gesu, 2470 Miramar Blvd, University Heights, Ohio at 10:30 AM. Burial following at All Souls Cemetery. Family will receive friends to pay tribute to and celebrate the life of Paul at THE DeJOHN-FLYNN-MYLOTT FUNERAL HOME OF SOUTH EUCLID, 4600 MAYFIELD RD. (just east of Green Rd.) THURSDAY 3-7 PM. Online obituary, guestbook, and order flowers at www.DeJohnCares.com
Paul and I met in third grade at St. Gregory the Great School and played in the band together there from about 5th through 8th grade. We played together in the marching band at St. Joe's, as well. He lived one street over from me and his Dad would give us a ride down to the school on Saturday afternoon as the band would rehearse for the halftime show later that evening. Paul was a an outstanding musician and an outstanding person. I was honored to play with him at our 1973 graduation commencement ceremony. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
tribute by Stephen StanzianoPaul lived a few doors down from me in South Euclid. He was a quiet guy always smiling and saying hello as he passed by my house while on his walks. It didn't matter day or night but we could hear Paul practicing his trumpet loud and clear. It would bring a smile to my face as we listened to him doing what he loved to do. It's not like we hung out but it saddens me to hear that he has passed on. I know he's going to be missed by those who loved him. Rest easy my friend...
tribute by Tommy Augusta