Robert John Smith

Robert sustained a spinal cord injury in 1980 due to a diving accident while serving in the United States Army. This accident was a catalyst for his lifelong mission to mentor and improve the lives of new injuries and to provide awareness to the able-bodied community. Rob was a kind, loving, generous man who was always positive and uplifting. If you were fortunate to have met him it was inevitable that he changed your life in some way. Rob has received many accolades for his contributions within the disability community along with receiving the Tampa Bay Lightning Hero Award. Organizations that Rob was involved in were the Paralyzed Veterans of America, Mayors Alliance for People with disabilities and many others. Rob’s passions included his love of boating and the Rough Riders Krewe which included parades and charitable events and the famous Teddy Bear runs (Bully Bully).

Rob is survived by his loving wife of 30 years, Stella Smith; daughter & son-in-law Jess and Jared Coppedge; grandchildren, Ethan, Riley, Jagger and Corbin; sisters, Ann Reis-Elbara, Susan Smith; brothers-in-law, Joe and Oliver O’Riordan along with numerous nieces and nephews from Florida to Seattle.

Rob was preceded in death by his parents, Kenneth and Kathleen Smith; son, Ryan J. Smith; sister, Carole Akhavuz; and his mother and father-in-law, Oliver and Helen O’Riordan.

Rob’s motto “This chair has gone where no chair has ever gone before”.

Due to COVID restrictions we are limited on capacity and private services are being held October 3, 2020. We hope you can join us in thought and prayer.