Thomas Robert Smith passed away unexpectedly on June 26, days after celebrating his 83rd birthday. Tom was born in Oxnard , California on June 19, 1927 and grew up in Fillmore. He attended Fillmore High School , where he played football and basketball. As a child, he was stricken with an illness that damaged his hearing..
After graduating from high school in 1945, Tom moved to Ventura , where he lived for the rest of his life. He worked for the Shell Oil Company for 36 years, and retired in 1981.
Tom was a life-long football fan and attended the first Super Bowl in 1967. He was an avid reader of two daily newspapers and every book about World War II. He joined the Marines after graduating, but was discharged after three days because of his hearing. Tom enjoyed traveling. He visited Europe, Mexico and the Pacific islands, including the Republic of Kiribati , where he toured WWII battle sites.
Tom had a sharp mind and a soft heart. He loved animals—cats in particular. He wrote amusing, literate letters filled with wit and stories. Tom was generous, honest, and an intelligent, thoughtful person.
Tom was the son of Thomas E. Smith and Adele (Della) Smith, and the sister of Emma Marie Ditello. All predeceased him. Surviving are his niece Sherida Bush (and husband Tim Platt) and nephew Byron Bush, Cousin Sally Chizek, many extended family members and his beloved cat, Puddy. He will be deeply missed.
The family requests donations in lieu of flowers to People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), The Humane Society of the United States , or the animal welfare organization of your choice.
A celebration of Tom’s life will be held on October 2nd at 5:30 at Familia Diaz Restaurant in Santa Paula . All who knew Tom are welcome. For more information, please contact his niece Sherida : peanutbushcat@yahoo.com or (925) 372-5479.