Martin A. "Buzzy" Smith

Buzzy started the path to his legal career with winning the national moot court competition while attending Northwestern law school. During his closing argument, he accidentally dropped his notes on the floor, and rather than picking them up and trying to reorganize, he told the judges that he didn’t need them. He proceeded to make his argument and answer the judges’ questions without consulting any of his papers. After the conclusion of the competition, one of the judges, who happened to be the Chief Justice of the Ohio Supreme Court, called Buzzy into his chambers. “Young man,” he said, “I hope you plan to spend your career trying cases, because you belong in a courtroom.” Buzzy did just that, spending over 60 years as a trial lawyer. After graduating he was sworn in to practice law in the Illinois Supreme Court. Military school had taught him that he never wanted another boss, and aside from a very short time working for his father, he never had one. He was extremely proud of being a lawyer and regarded his law license to be his most prized possession. He was known for his kind and generous nature and frequently worked for no compensation.

If you ever had the pleasure of taking one of his daily mile-long walks with him, you might hear him comment that he lived the best life ever. One of the things he enjoyed most was sports, and he attended the 1945 Cubs World Series, 2005 White Sox World Series (whose victory parade marched outside his office window on LaSalle Street), the 1970 baseball All-Star Game, Super Bowls, college football and basketball games, and Bulls and Blackhawks games. He was a loyal and passionate fan, as well as a loyal and passionate friend. The same drive to help his clients also guided him with his friends and family.

He will be dearly missed by his loving life partner Marlene Woytonik, daughter Stacey Smith Chernoff, son-in-law Seth Chernoff, grandchildren Mat Smith Chernoff and Eli Chernoff, niece Liz Raleigh, nephew and pal Andy Millman, and many dear colleagues, clients, and friends, especially Frank, Teresa, Anna and Maciej Brzezicki. He was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Lillian Smith, and his sister, Deedy Smith Franz. An upcoming memorial will be planned. Share memories and find info at dignitymemorial.com. Donations may be made to Chicago Sinai Congregation or the charity of your choice.