Born in Bronx, NY to Patrick and Margaret (Smith) Smith, he is survived by his friend of 55 years and devoted mate of the last 20 years, Marilyn Egan; his sisters Pat Karnbach and Gail Sullivan; numerous nieces, nephews, grand nieces, grand nephews and cousins. He was predeceased by his beloved brother, Donald.
A resident of New York City and Lewes, Delaware, Kevin is a graduate of Cardinal Hayes High School in the Bronx and the Class of ‘66 of the United States Merchant Marine Academy at Kings Point, NY. Upon graduation, he was commissioned an Ensign in the Naval Reserve and immediately served transporting troops to Vietnam. Extremely active in Alumni affairs until the present day, the “Academy” has been his second home. Over the years he served as an instructor on the Schoolship Kings Point and still actively mentored cadets. Ever true to the Academy motto, “Acta non Verba,” Kevin acted promptly out of the best of motives, but he was never lost for words. Among those he spoke most often were: “With all due respect”; “Sorry to be a bother”; and “God bless.”
Following the events of September 11, 2001, he volunteered to return to active military service and participated in the logistical preparations for Operation Iraqi Freedom. He took part in in several other strategic transportation and rescue operations throughout his military career; when called, he answered. He rose to the rank of Lieutenant Commander in the Naval Reserve.
Always proud of his school, faith and heritage, Kevin was a founding officer in the Delaware Shore Chapter of the USMMA Alumni Association, and a founding member of Monsignor Desmond Council 13348 of the Knights of Columbus in Lewes, Delaware and Commodore John Barry Division 1 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.
A viewing will be held at Michael J. Higgins Funeral Home, 321 Main Street, New City, NY 10956 on Thursday, February 27th from 3 to 7 p.m. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, February 28th at 10 a.m. at St. Anthony's Church, 36 W Nyack Road, Nanuet, NY 10954. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.
In lieu of Flowers, donations would be welcomed at the Wounded Warrior Project https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or
USMMA https://www.usmma.edu.
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