Paul Thomas Smith, who was 46 years young, passed away peacefully with family by his side while bravely fighting against Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer on October 22, 2025, at Brigham and Women's Hospital.

Paul is survived by his loving wife, Heather Smith, and their dearly beloved fur baby, Gracie Jean. Paul's memory will forever live on through his parents, Thomas and JoAnn Smith; his sister and brother-in-law, Jen and Chad Bankert; his sister and brother-in-law, Jeannie and Jason Jarvis; his nephews, Jacob Bankert, Sam Jarvis, Hunter Noel, and Caleb Topper; and his nieces, Isabella Bankert, Mallory Topper, Ava Topper, and Catherine Topper.

He was born on January 9, 1979, in Hanover, PA, to Thomas and JoAnn Smith, as the middle child of three siblings on the New Oxford family farm. Paul started learning how to operate the equipment his father used for work at a very young age, which would lead him toward his future career, following in his father's footsteps. After graduating from New Oxford High School, he began working full-time at T.J. Smith Trucking and Excavating Inc. He dedicated all his hard work and time there, while developing the skills to become the best heavy equipment operator for the rest of his career, working alongside his father, sister, and countless others over the next three decades.

There was nothing more important to Paul than his wife and dog. Paul and Heather have been inseparable for their 16-year marriage, being by each other's side through thick and thin, never giving up on one another, no matter what came their way. They shared an unspoken, unwavering love hard to put into words, but everyone could see just how deep their devotion ran. When Gracie, their beautiful golden doodle, came into their lives, there was never a more loved, nurtured, and spoiled rotten dog around.

Paul's family and friends played a huge role in his life. He was always with family, whether at work, at impromptu gatherings, on holidays, or at events attended by everyone. He never missed a thing, always being present for everyone from their biggest days to their smallest moments. Paul was a truly great friend to all around him. He was immensely loyal to the people closest to him. His fun and amiable presence made everyday moments feel special for anyone lucky enough to be a part of them.

A place where one could frequently find Paul was in the garage out back at TJ's, where he worked out of and grew up. It served as so much more than just a place he showed up to work every day. It's where Paul and his father would repair and restore equipment, trucks, and tractors. The shop was also a place for gathering. Paul always had family and friends stop by in the evening after work, or on Saturday afternoons after the side jobs were finished. Everyone just showed up because there were always cold beers and fun to be had. When it was time for anyone to leave, Paul would ask, "One more quick one?", which almost always worked because it came from him.

When Paul wanted to go somewhere to get away from work to relax and unwind, there were two places you could find him: his cabin or at the bay fishing. As a young man, he bought 10 acres of woods to one day build a secluded retreat. Once the cabin was built, he loved taking weekend trips with friends and family to work on small projects around the property, driving his Polaris Ranger over the mountain, hunting deer, shooting guns, and visiting the FBI for a fun night out. When not at the cabin, he loved going to the bay to catch rockfish and crab. After a long day of fishing, there were always plenty of crabs to be picked and cold keystones to be drank.

There are numerous local organizations Paul was a member of, many of which were introduced to him by his grandpa, Pappy Rube. He made countless great friends and lasting memories in all of these organizations over the years. One organization in particular is the K of C, for which the family wants to thank them for their generous support during Paul's fight. He was also a member of the NOSAC, the McSherrystown Home, the CWV, the AMVETS, and the Moose.

Paul was a man who worked hard and played hard, living every moment to the fullest. He was humble and kind, helping anyone he could while not expecting a thing in return. The selflessness and compassion he gave to everyone he met truly left the world a better place.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to the HEADstrong Foundation at https://pledge.headstrong.org/fundraiser/6785520 . Nick's House Boston gave Paul a place to call home away from home and went above and beyond to help support him and his family.

Family and friends are invited to Immaculate Conception Catholic Church for Mass on Wednesday, November 5th, at 10 AM. A celebration of life gathering will follow at the New Oxford Social and Athletic Club Pavilion to honor the Impactful and extraordinary life he lived.  Feiser Funeral Home, Inc, 302 Lincoln Way West, New Oxford, is in charge of arrangements.  Memories may be shared at www.feiserfuneralhome.com.

HEADstrong Foundation
Web: https://pledge.headstrong.org/fundraiser/6785520