Mr. Brian Fielding Smith

He was born in Groton, CT on December 2, 1958 to the late William J. and Norma A. (Schultz) Smith. He grew up in Uncasville, and graduated from Montville High School in 1976. He went on to receive a bachelor’s degree from Columbia University, Masters in early childhood education at S.C.S.U. and six-year diploma in educational leadership at UCONN.

Working in elementary education for the New London schools for 30 years, he gained the love and respect of many students and colleagues. He also taught briefly in the towns of Old Saybrook and Lisbon.

He married his wife, Tania (Faulkner) Smith, originally of Bristol, CT, on July 10, 2000 on Catalina Island, and they made their home in Norwich with daughter Morgan Leigh Cyr. Morgan graduated from NFA and received a bachelor's degree from Keene State in music education in 2011. He was very beloved by both of them, and they often vacationed together, including several trips to the Jersey shore and Maine.

His hobbies and favorite things included his dogs, the Red Sox, Bruce Springsteen, and dining at Harry's in Colchester.

Other than his wife and daughter, he is also survived by his brother Joseph Smith of Middletown, CT and Joseph's partner John, and nephew Nicholas Ouellette of Bristol, CT. He was also a member of the Mohegan Tribe, and is survived by an aunt, uncle, and many cousins in the tribe. He also has an aunt and several cousins in the Steubenville, Ohio area.

Visitation will be Sunday (4/29) from 2pm-5pm at Church & Allen Funeral Home, 136 Sachem St., Norwich, CT. A graveside ceremony and burial will be held at 11am on Monday (4/30) at the Mohegan Burial Ground at Fort Shantok.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Jimmy Fund or Marines Helping Marines. To view photos or leave a condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com.