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Tuesday, August 13, 2019
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Monday, August 12, 2019
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Monday, June 24, 2019
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Claire Eovine DiNatale posted a condolence
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
It was with great sadness that I learn of Andy's passing. I was away and was unable to attend the services. Andy was my piano teacher for 12 yrs. He also was my teacher at the Western Jr. High and Somerville High. He instilled in me a love of music and encouraged me to develop my musical talent. But he was not only a mentor and a teacher, he and his family became close friends with me and my family. I will miss you, Andy but I know you are in a better place and leading the heavenly choir. God bless you.
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Liz Wright posted a condolence
Tuesday, March 28, 2017
There are so many of us who laughed and cried with the music and auditions at AHS. The team of Mr. Smith and Mr. Roberts gave many of us confidence that served us well into our lives. Going into college and professional theatre, I--and many others--were well served by the training we had at AHS, training and friendship. Mr. Smith, you will always be with us.
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Diane and Fran Sullivan posted a condolence
Monday, March 27, 2017
After attending the wake and the memorial mass service for Andy (Uncle Andy to my kids), I came home with a heart filled with love, peace, wonderful memories, and a big thank you to Andy and Joan for having such a wonderful family consisting of their children with their loved ones and his grandchildren. How proud he must be of them all and I can't say enough about the mass, the choir and the priest as they all know Andy and you could tell their feeling of love for him through their song and delivery. The room was filled with tears, laughter, and love for this wonderful man we were all fortune enough to know through music, friendship, and being related to him through his remarkable wife, Joan. We must all pray for her now and throughout her sickness. Thank you all for helping us deal with Andy's celebration of life. Love to you all, Diane and Fran
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Maria Crisafulli posted a condolence
Sunday, March 26, 2017
Mr. Smith was one of the best. At a time in my life when things were so messy, his class was a source of healing...nothing like singing to make the heart feel lighter. I thank him for his ready smile, his confidence in all of us, and his creativity. We students were very lucky. I still talk about music department trips to Montreal, Washington DC, and more local places. The world will be quieter without his beautiful voice; Heaven is surely a more joyful place for his presence.
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Drew posted a condolence
Saturday, March 25, 2017
On behalf of the Smith family, I want to thank everyone for their wonderful comments, as well as their presence at the wake. Your kind words and memories have made it much easier for our family. Knowing so many others felt the sa,e way we do, and how much of an impact he had on so many lives has been very comforting to us. Thank you to all. Andrew (Drew) Smith Jr.
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Mary Tonry Antaya posted a condolence
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Mr. Smith was my favorite teacher. I was in Chorus and took music appreciation. I graduated SHS class of '68. In late '67 I lost my father and Mr. Smith would check with me about every other week to see how I was doing always asking if I needed anything. He was a member of the Elks with my father. I thought of him as a father figure. He was a very special person to me. To his family I can only imagine what you are going through and my thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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Sylvia posted a condolence
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Mr. Smith sounds like a fascinating and wonderful man. Thank you so much for sharing his memories with us. As you enter the next season of your journey, please take comfort in knowing that Mr. Smith is no longer suffering and that he is safe in the memory of our Loving Heavenly Father until He calls him to life again in perfect health in paradise, as promised at Job 14:14&15 and Psalms 37:11. May you find joy in the memories of Mr. Smith and may you find peace in The Christ and his God given ability to raise our dead loved ones.
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Gregory Phelan posted a condolence
Saturday, March 25, 2017
The memories just rushed right in. He was a bright light, am enormous talent & a gentle giant that enriched not only my high school years, but touched all the years that came after. I was a somewhat shy freshman who auditioned for this thing called G&S with this enormously warm presence behind the piano encouraging me to join this other thing called Concert Choir. My best memory is being in the wings during my first G&S, fascinated and in awe of these legends in the 1981 show FROM REEL TO RADIO. And thrilled to get to participate in group numbers like BUCKLE DOWN WINSOCKI and VARSITY DRAG with those legends. And behind the piano, coordinating it all masterfully and beautifully (with the esteemed Mr. Frank Roberts) was Mr. Smith. A legend himself. GUYS & DOLLS (82), ANNIE GET YOUR GUN (83), and finally a lead in CARNIVAL (84). There is NO QUESTION I would never have had the confidence to move to Los Angeles to follow my dreams without the encouragement and training I received from Mr. Smith and Mr. Roberts. When you think of all the lives, the careers and the dreams he nurtured through his teaching, it's mind blowing. Thank you.
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Jeremy posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Dear Mr. Smith, Thank you for all the time and kindness you shared with me, and the patience you always - well, not always - showed me. Thank you for allowing me into Madrigals. You taught me much and although my singing and performing abilities never amounted to much at all, those years in The Music Department were memorable and happy for me in ways that were lifesaving. You were a big part of that and I thank you. Godspeed, Mr. Smith. Say hello to Mr. Roberts.
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Stacey Faulkner McNally posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Dear Mr. Smith, I will never forget you or Mr. Roberts for all you taught me, I treasure The Music Department memories, & thank you always.
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Melody Tarbox posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Dear Mr. Smith, Where do I begin? I met you at Arlington High School when you first began teaching there in the 1970's. When I mentioned my new music teacher at the dinner table, I was so surprised to learn from my dear parents, Richard and Priscilla Tarbox(both passed on in 1998) that they knew you and had grown up with you in Somerville! My Dad and you both sang in the Men's Choir at Somerville High School. Miss Mary McGann was the Choir director at that time. And, my Mom was the accompanist! She was also my Mom's first piano teacher, and then mine (!) many years later.<br><br>At Arlington High School, I was playing violin in the Orchestra, under the direction of Mr. Gerald Thebodo(also deceased), but studied Solfege(sight singing) with you. Our class was a small group, so we were able to gather around the piano with our little Solfege books, singing loads of songs using "Do,Re,Me", etc.. We were only supposed to sing them once, but we sang them so many times that we practically memorized several of them!<br><br>My Senior year I became one of the pianists, along with Liz Reed, for the all girl singing group "The Harmonettes". You were our fearless leader. We wore matching white tops that we purchased, and matching blue pants that we all sewed! Singing around Arlington for different groups was a lot of fun. We even sang at the former restaurant "Fantasia's", in neighboring Cambridge. We mostly performed for free, but did sometimes sing for a fee. I still have the Savings Account Book from a local bank that we used for our deposits!! Most of "the girls" are still in touch with one another today, as we became great friends after spending countless hours together, either rehearsing or performing!!<br><br>And, of course, you were heavily invested in rehearsing for all of our musicals<br>at the High School. You could sing, dance and play the piano, and you shared all of these talent with us, leading us in many hours of rehearsals. All of the shows and performing groups you taught and coached were wildly successful.<br><br>Mr. Smith, you weren't just our teacher or coach. Your were so friendly and affable, and had such a bubbly personality. You treated us with the utmost respect and were never condescending to us. You were so relaxed and easy to be around. You would even share personal stories that we could relate to. And that's exactly what High School kids need! My siblings, Valerie (passed in 2016), Gregory and Loralie were all influenced through having you in our lives. Thank you for everything.....<br><br>Oh, and I went on to be a Classroom Music Teacher for over 10 years, and am still teaching private piano lessons to students of all ages and abilities! And, I think it's ironic that we both ended up living in Peabody!! <br><br>I am so sorry for the great loss to your family, although you are no longer suffering now.... RIP<br><br>Gratefully,<br><br>Melody Tarbox, AHS Class of 1974
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Christine Marie Durling Orlando King posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Such fond memories of the most exuberant personality from my young childhood days right through Class of 68 SHS! I so wished Mr. Smith had been my piano teacher for he was so much more fun than my so serious teacher. I loved being in his productions too. I can still see and hear him clearly. One fine day we'll all be singing and dancing together again!
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Regina Pontes posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Mr. Smith (Andy), so many wonderful and eloquent tributes for a wonderful man. I can't say anything better but simply that you for being a mentor and friend. I loved having you in my life and will continue to keep you, Joanne, Drew, Liz and Marcy in my prayers. God's grace be with you all until we met
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Sophia Carafotes posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
My heartfelt sympathy to the family of Mr. Smith. I'll never forget how he reached out to me calling after my mother Mary Carafotes had passed. He was sad and tried to make the funeral asking if the church could handle a wheelchair. He and my mom were long time close colleagues putting on countless broadway quality musical shows, concerts, even made a record with the SHS Somerville High School Chirus. Andy would carpool with my mom. They seldom called in sick. Room 315 was where the magic transformed simple high school kids into singing superstars. I had the pleasure of traveling with them when they would take their choirs on the road performing at local churches, hotels, restaurants, Kiwanis, Elks and Northeast District at Symphony Hall. I got to work on my 1st Project Star show "Fiddler on the Roof". My favorite all time show that he and mom produced was South Pacific where they had a real running shower on stage for the musical number I'm Going to Wash That Man Right Out of My Hair". One things for sure, his memory shall be forever eternal for all the 1000's of the many people he touched. Bet that heaven greeted him with a choir of angels ready to welcome his direction.
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Colleen Donahue McCretton AHS 1989 posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Thank you Mr Smith for being a huge impact on my high school experience from hang-outs in M2 to G&S productions to Band and Chorus bus trips and my favorite - when we learned sign language to "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Brother" but actually were signing "He's not juggling, he's my elephant"... My daughter is a freshman in HS now and I have been sharing these memories with her often. Later, I worked with Marci to plan a St Eulalia's choir trip to Paris when singing with you there - finally you could choose songs about "him and his mother" without push-back from the schools. Hope you are enjoying singing and dancing pain free now!
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Don Crisafulli posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
I was exclusively an instrumentalist in Arlington High School's Performing Arts Department from 1972-73 through 1975-76, which was Gerry "Mr. T" Thebodo's (RIP) area. As such, I never came under Mr. Smith's direct tutelage (as with Ben M. above, I, too, can't call him "Andy"). But I remember that when Mr. Smith entered a room, his one-can't-miss-it presence filled said room. If I ever saw him angry or otherwise unhappy, it certainly wasn't often while he related to me as if I was one of his students even though I couldn't have been because I couldn't sing to save my life back then (and I still can't sing unless one can appreciate/like a blues-type cross between Johnny Winter and a sick goat). Anyway, my thoughts and sincere condolences go out to Mr. Smith's family, Andrew Jr. (I know; just say "Drew") in particular. Aside from chronology, why do I feel a little older today that I did yesterday? RIP Mr. Smith.<br><br>Don Crisafulli, AHS Class of 1976
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Raymond Szarek posted a condolence
Friday, March 24, 2017
Having recently watched my daughter perform in her first high school musical, I fondly recalled the wonderful times I had making music with Mr. Smith (yes, ALWAYS Mr. Smith!) whether in the pit or in choir... His influence on my life and the joy of music he shared still continues to be passed along to my friends and the students I have had. And what encouragement! He even gave me my first conducting gig! What a blessing to have been able to learn from him!
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Diane Murphy Gardner posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
I am so sorry for your loss. I imagine a choir of angels ready to meet him and begin rehearsals. Oh, Mr. Smith, I was a dumb kid at Somerville high. You, and you alone, saved me. Your kindness, understanding and energy got me through every ugly day at the high school. You are, and always will be, my hero. So, what did I do with the life you saved? In June, I will have finished my 42nd year teaching. High school and college kids. Thank you for caring. To your wife and soulmate, I would like to say to you that his death is not an end. You will be together again because the God I believe in teaches us that families are forever. Have courage long days and nights Face you. I know I buried my husband in 2002. But, remember the laughter and love and he will wait for you. Hugs and thanks for sharing him with hundreds of high school students.
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paul grassia posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
MR. SMITHAND I MET IN 1960-HE WAS MY MUSIC TEACHER-HE TAUGHT ME EVERYTHING I KNOW ABOUT MUSIC AND MOST OF WHAT I KNOW ABOUT LIFE-HE SAW SOMETHING IN ME THAT NO ONE ELSE SAW-HE TOLD ME I COULD BE A STAR-HIS ENCOURAGEMENT LED ME TO BE AN INTERNATIONAL RECORDING ARTIST-HEAVEN'S CHOIR IS NOW BEING LED BY MY TEACHER ANDREW SMITH.-REST IN PEACE MR. SMITH, I LOVE YOU.--PAUL G.
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Kim ( Relf) O'Leary posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
My fondest memories from AHS are in M2 singing with Mr. Smith. He was enthusiastic and passionate and he expected nothing but the best from all of us. I will always remember him playing the piano wildly, shouting at the top of his lungs, " SING, DAMN IT, SING!" Those were the best days ever! We were lucky enough to reconnect just before he left Arlington, when my children took piano lessons at their home with Mrs. Smith. May he rest in peace. He gave so much to so many. God Bless Him.
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Benjamin W Mayerson posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Mr. Smith.....for even 40 years later I refused to call him Andy. He was my teacher, my mentor, my friend. He was one of two people responsible for inspiring me to pursue a successful career in the performing arts.<br><br>I spent every spare moment I could at that end of the AHS complex, to be near and ready for when Smith (and Frank Roberts *RIP) called. I sang in chorus, Madrigals, played bit and major roles in AHS productions. I worked on stage and backstage. I learned it all, from Mr. Smith. When not rehearsing he would share stories of his love of theatre, music, and dance. We drank it up. He was so inspiring.<br><br>Rehearsals could be long and arduous. He'd be banging out the piano part, while we struggled at times to keep up. Suddenly, we had fallen to far off the track. "NO!!", he'd exclaim, pounding on the keyboard. He'd stand up, and make his way up to the stage. "Jesus Christ, my back is killing me today, but I can do this. Why can't you?" Suddenly, that huge man became Fred Astair, light and energetic on his feet. He'd crank out of the dance steps, then spin around with his arms extended and freeze. "There!! If an old man like me, with a bad back can do it, so can you!!" He hobble back to the piano. "Five!, Six, Seven, EIGHT!!!!!" When we were done, he'd heap praise and love upon us. "See, I knew you could do it. You just need to WORK!!!"<br><br>He was right; work, and work harder. Do it the Mr. Smith way. I'll never forget that. When I was accepted into the drama program at my 1st choice school he said, "Of course you got in. I wrote you a great letter, and you worked your ass off!"<br><br>Years later, when I was working at the Boston PBS flagship station, I saw Mr. and Mrs. Smith. I hadn't seen him in years.<br><br>"Mr. Smith!! How are you??"<br>"Jesus Christ Ben! You've been out of high school forever. Call me Andy, like everyone else."<br>"I can't, Mr. Smith. Never could, and never will."<br><br>I can't repay him for what he did and means to me. I can only live my life paying forward the lessons of compassion, love, and excellence he instilled in me.<br><br>Bravo Mr. Smith. Don't leave the stage. The curtain is opening again, for another series of well earned bows. Much love, from your student.
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Paula Scott LeBlanc posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
I am so sorry to hear of the passing of such a wonderful man...he was a dear friend and music colleague of my mother's, Louise Scott....I remember how beautifully he played the piano...My thoughts and prayers are with your family
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John Certusi posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Like many before (and after) me, Mr. Smith was responsible for my lifelong involvement in music. As a sophomore at Somerville High School in 1970, I joined the chorus because the other football players told me it got you out of a regular class and there were tons of girls in the chorus. At some point, he noticed the noise emitting from my head and heard potential. He coached me, taught me some actual vocal technique and turned the noise into a voice. Because of him, I was selected for the Northeast Regional Chorus and later The All State Chorus, culminating in performing in Boston's Symphony Hall with "American Youth Performs". This set me on a path for a lifelong love of singing.<br><br>Additionally, he broadened the horizons of this kid from East Somerville, introducing me to a broad spectrum of music from Rodgers & Hammerstein to Bartok, Shubert, Beethoven and everything in between; music I love to this day.<br><br>I can never thank him enough for being my mentor. Few people apart from my parents have influenced me more than Mr. Smith. I am a better person for having known him.<br><br>Take comfort Smith family in the legacy of his good work and the thousands of people that he touched during his long and successful career and the lives he changed for the better. Rest assured he is with the angels organizing yet another chorus, staging a talent show or putting up a Musical..Godspell perhaps...?<br><br>Peace.
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Jimmy DelPonte posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
I Was very saddened to hear of Mr. Smiths passing. I always wished I could thank him for so many things. My first song parody was inspired by him. And after being a student in Project STAR from 1968-1970, I re-introduced the program in Somerville in 2008.It was Mr. Smiths' inspiration that nurtured my love of musical theatre and brought me to Emerson College where I received a BFA in Theatre. Mr. Smith produced musical revues for St Clement's Cub scout troop of which I was a cast member. If I had to a thank two people for giving me the inspiration, support and dedication to persue a life of music it would be my mother and Mr. Andy Smith. Thank you for all you gave all of your students...and rest in Peace. Jimmy Del Ponte
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Gary M Gartland posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Andy...your impact on me and the lives of so many public school children is a legacy that will live on for generations to come. You instilled in all who knew you the love of music, the passion for excellence and the understanding that kindness and good will are components of life worth incorporating into each of our lives.<br><br>I often think of you and how you guided all of us in the SHS music department through our high school years. You made high school fun, especially in all of the shows you developed and produced. Your name comes up at each of our high school reunions, and its mention brings smiles and stories of the fondest of memories of talent shows, skits, community performances and 5th period music classes. For my classmates and me, that is now over 50 years of memories.<br><br>To your family, please know that "Mr. Smith" was one of the good guys, in teaching and in life. He played such a positive role in the lives of thousands of students. May his memory remain eternal.<br><br>Gary M. Gartland, President<br>Somerville High School<br>Class of 1968
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Laurie MacNeill Berg posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
What a blast of memories went through me when I saw Mr. Smith's obituary. I'll never forget my years in the AHS music dept with him as the concert choir and Harmonettes director! He was a kind hearted, funny, talented man. I'll never forget how he'd pull down a sheet of lined paper with only the song title on it as he played his own arrangements for every musical performance. He made me feel like I had a special talent and was always giving me opportunities to shine. RIP, Mr. Smith. Now you get to play the big league!
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Elaine Keefe Brisson posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
I first met Mr. Smith at the Western Jr. High School in Somerville and later Somerville High while taking music appreciation classes. Because of him, I fell in love with music and the stories behind the music. Like many of my classmates, we were lucky to sing in choirs and perform in shows that Mr. Smith directed. Your legacy lives on in the thousands of students you taught. Thank you forever. Heaven has an awesome choir director.
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Valerie Coll posted a condolence
Thursday, March 23, 2017
"All good gifts around us, Are sent from Heaven above"<br><br>You were one of those gifts sent to your many students, your friends and most importantly, your family. Thank you so much for creating in so many, so much love. You made AHS a home more than a school.
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