Timothy J. Smith

Timothy J. Smith, 66, of Boston, passed away peacefully on Friday, April 29, 2022, in the comfort of his home, after a period of declining health. Tim was born in Worcester, Massachusetts on July 3, 1955, son to the late William L. and Helen M. (Sullivan) Smith. Raised in Worcester, he lived in the Savin Hill neighborhood of Boston and served as Program Director at the Boston Rescue Mission. 

He leaves behind his eight siblings: Stephen Smith and his spouse David Syrek of Candia; Valerie Buffone and husband Peter of Millbury; Michael Smith and wife Brenda of Oxford; John Smith and wife Lisa of Worcester; Nancy Metivier and husband Joseph of Worcester; William Smith and wife Kim of Milford; David Smith and wife Noni of Worcester; and Christopher Smith and wife Jacqueline of Scituate.

Tim also leaves 11 beloved nieces and nephews: Jennifer Buffone, Joshua Smith, Meghan (Smith) St. Amand, Joseph Metivier, Jesse Metivier, Lauren Metivier, Kristy Smith, Daniel Smith, Tyger Smith, Ace Smith and Burke Smith; nine great nieces and nephews, whom he adored; and longtime friend and confidant Liz Shaw. 

A 1973 graduate of North High School, he excelled at basketball and, occasionally, at the pool hall. He spent his early career in the U.S. Postal Service before finding his true passion in human services, earning his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from UMass Boston in 2009 and 2012 and working at the Boston Rescue Mission for the past 20 years. He won the inaugural MHSA Ed O’Neil award for his dedication to helping homeless veterans and his “personal compassion, kindness and absolute respect for the veteran.”

Tim’s interests led him to travel near and far.  An avid golfer, he enjoyed local rounds with friends and family, and attended the US Women’s Open each year. During the Christmas season, he brought his shelter clients to the Boston tree lighting ceremony and made the annual pilgrimage to New York City. He fell in love with Italy’s art and cuisine on recent trips to Europe with his brother. But his favorite event was the annual Smith sibling weekend on Martha’s Vineyard. 

Tim will be remembered as a compassionate dedicated family man, a generous soul who demonstrated his love through everyday actions, showing up at kids’ games and events and bringing flowers and thoughtful gifts from his travels. He loved animals, especially his cats Conquistador and Moody Blue. A model of resilience and courage, he consistently and humbly extended compassion toward people less fortunate, always lending a helping hand. 

Friends and family are invited to calling hours on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 from 9:00AM to Noon at the MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation Street, Worcester, followed by a Prayer Service at 12 Noon.  Interment will then follow at Saint John’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Tim’s honor to the Boston Rescue Mission.

To share a memory or message of condolence, please visit Tim’s online guest book on the Mercadante Funeral Home web site.