Lyle P. Smith

He was born as the only child to the late Allen and Grace (Peters) Smith on June 27, 1937 in Hudson, New York before eventually settling in Plantsville. Lyle was a celebrated drag racer, and passionate automotive enthusiast. Even into his later life he and his wife would travel to see races. He had a great group of friends from Team Garage that he spent a big part of his life with and never stopped talking about. He had a personality that would draw you in, and he could talk to anyone about anything and make everyone feel like family. His humor set him apart from the crowd. He also maintained a professional career as a parts manager at an automotive dealer. Above all that, Lyle loved his wife and family.

Being outdoors even if just in the backyard was what kept him young, but being able to share all those beautiful days and nights with the love of his life, Jean, for 65 love filled years is what made him the happiest man he could possibly be.

In addition to his wife, Jean, Lyle is survived by his children; Shawn Torchia of Waterbury and Geoffrey Smith and his wife Debby of Southington; grandchildren: Mathew Torchia and his wife Cassandra of Waterbury, Joseph Torchia and his girlfriend Emily of Meriden, and Lyle Smith and his wife Valerie of Texas; great-grandchildren: Malvagio Torchia, Santoroso Torchia, Madison Smith, Mallory Smith, Libby Smith and June Smith.

A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, October 3, 2023 at 11 a.m. at the DellaVecchia Funeral Home, 211 N. Main St., Southington. An hour of visitation will be prior to the service starting at 10 a.m. There will be no burial.