It is with great sadness that the family of Gregory D. Smith, 54, of Norwalk announces his unexpected passing on March 31, 2023. Greg was born on July 25, 1968, in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, to Sandra and Robert Smith. He was a graduate of Saint Joseph High School, Class of 1986, and Bentley University of Waltham, Massachusetts, Class of 1991.

President and CEO of Maplewood Senior Living and Inspīr, a leader in the senior housing industry since 2006, Greg’s mission was to “Redefine expectations for the later years in life by offering senior living communities that provide the very best hospitality, care and lifestyle.” Greg leaves behind a legacy that remains committed to providing its signature standard of excellence to all current and future residents.

Greg chaired the board of directors for Ability Beyond and was on the board of directors for the Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, Danbury Hospital, and Norwalk Hospital. Greg was known for his philanthropy, supporting various projects and campaigns at Nuvance Health, including the Andrew Cruz Endowed Chair in Palliative Care, which was established in memory of his cousin, and the neonatal center and pediatric emergency room at Danbury Hospital.

Greg was most at peace when surrounded by nature and family. He loved his home by the ocean that was always filled with natural light and never without a fresh arrangement of flowers. When he needed to get away, he found solace in vacationing with his family in Turks and Caicos, or staying at the family home in Sandgate, Vermont. Most of all, Greg loved being surrounded by his seven children, who he described as his entire world.

Greg, and his family and friends, also took great pride in his achievements, both personally and professionally. Greg was very proud of his fifth degree black belt and extremely dedicated to his craft, even training in China with the Shaolin monks.

Greg is survived by his mother and father, Sandra and Robert Smith; his twin brother, Christopher Smith; his sister, Hollee Chontos; his fiancée, Carine Bonnist; his children, Hunter, Hayden, Cruz, John Robert, Bella, Sage, and Dakota; his paternal Uncle David and Aunt Karen Smith; his maternal Uncle Philip and Aunt Sandy Cruz; his nephews, Chase, Cole, Trevor Smith, and Colin Chontos; as well as several cousins, extended family, and countless friends and colleagues.

Greg is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Ruth and Donald Smith, and his maternal grandparents, Liuntina and Custodio Cruz.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Ability Beyond, Alzheimer’s Association of Connecticut, and the Andrew Cruz Endowed Chair in Palliative Care.

A Mass for Greg will be held at Saint Rose of Lima Church in Newtown, Conn., on Saturday, April 15, at 10 am, immediately followed by a celebration of Greg’s life at Shorehaven Country Club in Norwalk, Conn.

“It’s about leaving a legacy, how you can help make a difference. That’s at the crux of my getting into senior housing — the opportunity to profoundly change a person’s life and those of their family.” — Gregory D. Smith.

To share an online condolence, visit honanfh.com.