Thomas J Smith

Thomas J. Smith, 81, of Elyria, passed peacefully at home on Saturday, April 15, 2023. Tom was born November 28, 1941 in Elyria.

Tom graduated from Avon High School in 1959, and from Ohio University in 1963 with a Bachelor's Degree in business administration.  He then attended law school at The Ohio State University, graduating in 1966, and was admitted to the Ohio Bar Association that fall. Bill McCray hired him immediately, and they were law partners for decades. He retired from Wickens, Herzer, Panza, Cook and Batista after practicing law for 55 years.

Tom served as law director for many local communities. He served as the Lorain County Democratic Party Chairman and served on the Lorain County Board of Elections, each for 25 years. Tom also served on the boards of Mercy Health Hospital and Lorain County Community College Board of Trustees. He served as the chairman of The Lorain County Community College Jack Nicklaus Golf Outing.

Tom enjoyed playing golf with his many friends at Elyria Country Club. He also spent time traveling, antiquing, and attending museums and the theater with Linda. Tom loved his children and grandchildren dearly, and never missed out on family events.

Thomas is survived by his wife of 56 years, Linda (nee Dulio); daughters, Stephanie (John) Golski and Suzanne (Mike) Kisch; grandchildren, Thomas Golski, Charles Golski, Ava Kisch, Noah Kisch and Lila Kisch; and sister, Linda Leeman.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Clifford and Iona Smith (nee Kriebel).

The family will receive friends at the Reichlin Roberts Bollinger Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria on Wednesday, April 19, 2023, from 3:00 to 7:00 pm, with a service beginning at 7:00 pm, officiated by Father Frank Kosem. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Jude Church, 590 Poplar Street, Elyria on Thursday, April 20, 2023, at 1:00 pm. A private family burial will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to the LCCC Foundation at 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035.