Rochester
Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 17, at the age of 83.
Born to Henry Cassorte Smith and Lillie Wright Smith in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on November 24, 1936. Known as Brad, he grew up in Manhattan, New York, where he attended the Trinity School and later the Taft School in Watertown, Connecticut. At Hamilton College he graduated with a B.A. in history. He earned two Master’s Degrees: one in Information Science from Syracuse University and one in history from the University of Rochester. He was a member of the American Historical Society for over 50 years and enjoyed attending its annual conferences in major cities around the country.
Brad was employed at the University’s Rush Rhees Library for 35 years as a bibliographer for history, law and Jewish Studies in the Reference Department, of which he later served as Head. His passion for helping faculty, undergraduate and graduate students find resources for their academic endeavors carried over to his work with the University’s Debate Union. This association lasted nearly 20 years after Brad’s retirement in 1999. His success in locating materials to bolster arguments for debate topics and his tireless hands-on support for the annual invitational debate tournament was recognized by the Union’s naming that event in his honor. His wisdom, caring and sense of humor were much cherished by all who knew him.
Brad belonged to the Genesee Conservation League and was a long-time member of St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church. He is survived by his wife, Jane; his daughters, Christine Sawyer (Ray) and Jennifer Smith; and his step-children, Keith Sanders (Kate Laux), Erica Gowen (Tim); five grandchildren and many cousins.
A Memorial Service will be planned for a future date. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to either of these: University of Rochester Debate Union, c/o University of Rochester Office of Gift and Donor Records, Box 270032, Rochester, NY 14627-0032 or St. Thomas’ Episcopal Church, 2000 Highland Ave., Rochester, NY 14618.