Kevin M. Smith

Kevin M. Smith, born June 28, 1965, passed away unexpectedly on February 15, 2026. His passing leaves an immeasurable void in the lives of those who knew and loved him, especially Martha, his wife and partner of 30 years.

Born in Middletown to the late Darrel and Rosemarie (Englert) Smith and raised in Deep River, CT where he graduated from Valley Regional High School and then attended Porter and Chester Institute. Kevin cherished his childhood filled with outdoor adventures with his brothers, cousins, and neighborhood friends. He married Martha Mustaro in 2002, and together they built a life filled with love, laughter, and countless adventures. Kevin’s trademark smirk, quick wit, infectious laugh, and brilliant blue eyes brightened every room. He supported the NRA and loved Looney Toons, Elvis, Jeff Dunham, and UConn Women’s Basketball, rarely missing a game and always ready with commentary.

Kevin found joy in nature, whether kayaking, biking, hiking, snowmobiling in Vermont, watching birds in his backyard, or tracking the latest weather system. He was an avid photographer and a passionate classic car enthusiast, especially proud of his 1968 Camaro. Weekly gatherings with his close-knit friends in the Hulkatorium brought him immense happiness and brotherhood. He took pride in caring meticulously for his vehicles and was known for always being prepared with several flashlights and pocketknives constantly in hand.

He loved to grill and cook alongside Martha, perfecting favorite recipes and crafting signature drinks for family and friends. Travel brought him great joy, from St. Lucia to Italy, Croatia, Hawaii, India, and beyond, as well as scenic drives closer to home. What mattered most to Kevin was simply being together, whether exploring a new destination or relaxing by the woodstove watching a movie, nature documentary, or cooking program.

Professionally, Kevin was a respected mechanical design engineer who devoted 32 years to Whelen Engineering in Chester, CT and was most recently employed at Sound Manufacturing in Old Saybrook, CT. He was known for his integrity, technical skill, mentorship, and steady encouragement. Generous, thoughtful, and protective by nature, Kevin was always ready to lend a hand, or ear, and could always be counted on to carefully watch over those in his company.

Kevin was predeceased by his brother, Duane; his father, Darrel; and his mother, Rosemarie. He is survived by his loving wife Martha; his brother, Brian of Deep River; Martha’s family in Madison and Clinton; his extended family in Chester, Deep River, and Gray, Maine; as well as numerous friends whom he often affectionately considered and referred to as his “fr-amily.”

Visiting hours will be held Sunday, March 8th, from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Robinson Wright Funeral Home, 34 Main Street, Centerbrook, followed by a service. A reception and celebration of Kevin’s life will immediately follow at Body Karma Studio, 16 West Main Street, Clinton.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Kevin’s memory may be made to:

Hardwick Emergency Rescue Squad, Inc, P.O. Box 837, Hardwick, VT 05843.

Hardwick Fire Department, 333 Wolcott Street, Hardwick, VT 05843.

Greensboro Fire Department, P.O. Box 83, Greensboro, VT 05841.

Chester Hose Company, 6 High Street, Chester, CT 06412.

May Kevin always and forever be remembered in the sound of shared laughter, in the clink of an adult beverage, in the sizzle of a perfectly grilled steak or burger, and in the steady rumble of a classic engine cruising alongside good friends.