Brad J. Smith died unexpectedly in Tampa, Florida on April 4, 2021.
Brad was a great friend to many, he had an ability to light up a room with his infectious smile and easy sense of humor. He was a joyful soul who lived life to the fullest, while also being disciplined and fiercely competitive when it came to athletic endeavors.
Although athletically gifted in many sports, Brad’s overarching passion was basketball. At an early age, it was clear he would go onto do great things in the game. At Bartlett High, Brad left his stamp as one of the best guards in the school’s history. Brad was selected as a Borden Conference All-Star and a Telegram & Gazette Honor Team member for his junior season. During his senior year, Brad was team captain and continued to excel as a prolific scorer, averaging 26 points per game. Brad joined the elite 1,000 point scorer club and was selected as MVP, he was a Border Conference All-Star, and a Telegram & Gazette Super Team member. He was also selected to participate in the prestigious statewide Best of 48 All-Star Game and was a member of the central MA “Super Team” comprised of the top ten area players. Brad was a member of three Clark Tournament Champion teams, a two-time district champion and a state champion as a member of the Hall of Fame 1978-1979 basketball team. Brad ended his high school career with 1,294 career points — at the time, the most in school history.
After high school, Brad attended Eastern Connecticut State College and Southeastern Mass University where he was the starting guard for three years. Brad was a tremendous player in college and had a great college career. His ability to make others around him better was his best attribute. He was a great competitor and had a toughness about him that was second to none. After college he continued his play in men’s leagues and competed at a very high level. He also passed on his love for basketball by being a youth basketball coach, which he enjoyed immensely.
After college, Brad showed himself to be a man of many talents. He excelled in the family plumbing and heating business, Smith Company, and was his father’s right hand man for many years. Brad then moved to Pittsburg, PA and onto New Mexico, where he helped his longtime partner, Lisa, run an elite hunting and game ranch. Brad, along with Lisa, then moved to Florida. He settled in the Tampa area where he had many friends and lived life to the fullest. He loved the healthy lifestyle of Florida—spending many happy times with friends watching and playing sports, listening to live music, fishing, boating and enjoying the sunshine. Brad had an incredible zest for life—he loved to travel and experience the pleasure of meeting new and interesting people. He always found common ground with those he met, and was always up for an adventure.
Talking about Brad and his life would not be complete without mentioning his loyal companion, Max. Max was a Labradoodle that entered Brad and Lisa’s life in 2004. Like Brad, Max was an avid traveler and was always up for adventure. He practically went everywhere Brad and Lisa went, always being a good and obedient boy while making many friends along the way (human and canines alike). Max passed away at the age of 15 back in 2019. He lived a wonderful life and we know he was there to eagerly reunite with Brad at the foot of the Rainbow Bridge.
Coming full circle, in April 2020 Brad was recognized for his exceptional accomplishments in high school by being inducted into Bartlett’s prestigious athletic hall of fame. This great tribute meant so much to Brad, and was such a well-deserved honor.
Besides his companion Lisa, Brad leaves his parents Bennett J. Smith Jr. and Carol H.(Breault) Smith of Webster. Brad's mother Barbara Burzycki predeceased him. Brad also leaves his brothers Bruce J. Smith of Webster, David Wasilko of Webster two sisters Heidi Smith of Dudley, and Seana Smith of Irvington, NY; he also leaves many nieces, nephews, relatives and dear friends. Brad was also predeceased by his brothers Bennett J. Smith III and Daniel Wasielko.
Burial services will be private. A celebration of Brad’s life will be planned for later this year, when we can safely gather.
Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Shaw-Majercik Funeral Home.
A guest book is available at www.shaw-majercik.com where you may offer condolences, share fond memories, or light a candle in remembrance of Brad.
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