Earl John Smith, Jr, 87, born in Hartford, February 21, 1928, to Ethel (Tormay) and Earl J. Smith, died Thursday, October 22, at Danbury Hospital.

His loving wife, Vera, of 50 years; daughter Judith of Sandy Hook; son Earl, and his wife Kathleen, of South Windsor, and son Joseph of Silver Springs, Md., survive Mr Smith.

Early in life, Mr Smith attended St Thomas Seminary. He served honorably as a chaplain’s assistant in Germany during the Korean Conflict. Upon returning to the United States, he attended both Fairfield University and Trinity College, and earned a master’s degree in education.

He found his calling in Newtown as a Latin and English teacher at Newtown High School. Soon he became an assistant principal, watching out for “his kids” until he retired in 1991. With great joy, he attended all reunions to which he was invited.

As a member of the teachers’ union, he spent a lifetime fighting for teachers’ rights. He had many long hours after work helping to negotiate contracts for both teachers and administrators.

Upon retirement, he became president of both the Association of Retired Teachers and the Northern Fairfield County Retired Teachers Association, taking great pride in his contributions to help protect teachers’ pensions.

Dr John Reed, past superintendent of Newtown Schools, remembers Mr Smith’s “profound dedication to Newtown High School and the Town of Newtown, and the teaching profession.” Mr Smith also had an overriding belief, Dr Reed said on October 26, that students could not only meet expectations, but could exceed expectations.

“He believed in the power of challenging students, when appropriate,” said Dr Reed.

Following his retirement, Mr Smith’s active participation in the Association of Retired Teachers of Connecticut impressed Dr Reed, as well.

“That, to me, that was further testament of his belief in the importance of public education,” Dr Reed said.

Mr Smith served as chairman of the Newtown Democratic Town Committee for many years and, says family, never lost an opportunity to remind people he was still chairman emeritus. In 2011, he was a Jefferson Jackson Bailey honoree, noted by fellow Democrats at the event as being a respected leader and a proud Democrat, deserving of that honor.

“He was very revered by all members of the Democratic Town Committee,” former First Selectman Herb Rosenthal recalled on Monday. His connection to the chairman emeritus goes back many years, he said.

“I had [Mr Smith] as my Latin teacher for two years at Newtown High School,” said Mr Rosenthal, and it was Earl Smith who first encouraged him to run for first selectman, in 1997. “He was a terrific person. I certainly looked to him for advice. He would always give a straight answer,” he said.

Mr Rosenthal also recalled a lighter side of Mr Smith.

“He was Santa Claus here in town for many years. He would dress up for many festivities,” he said. The Newtown Bee article “A Tip Of The Stocking Cap To Santa,” from December 2008, captured Mr Smith’s history as the local Santa, as well as his farewell appearance as jolly St Nick at a children’s clothing store that year. Portraying Santa Claus was, according to Mr Smith at that time, a labor of love.

Mr Rosenthal also noted his Board of Education encounters with Mr Smith, during which he recognized the latter’s professional negotiating skills.

“He didn’t take advantage of us too badly,” he said, “and we laughed about it, years later. Earl fought for years for proper funding of the teachers’ retirement. He did a lot of very good things over the years. He was a good friend, and will be missed by a lot of people,” Mr Rosenthal said.

Mr Smith remained active in state, local, and federal politics to his last day. Connecticut Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman offered her condolences.

“Earl Smith was a dedicated and tireless public servant, educator, and advocate. I always enjoyed attending local events with him — he was a wonderful historian of the community and our government. Though he leaves a great legacy, his loss is mourned by so many throughout Connecticut. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends,” said Lt Gov Wyman.

US Senator Richard Blumenthal also recalled Mr Smith’s contributions at the local and state levels.

“Earl Smith earned deep respect as a pillar of public service in his community and statewide. He worked tirelessly to bridge divisions among people and parties to advance the public interest. Amidst the picnics, parades, and public events, he always saw a serious purpose in political life — to enhance the lives of everyday people," said Sen Blumenthal.

Mr Smith was also a proud member and past president of The Rotary Club of Newtown, with decades of service.

Most important to him was his dedication to the Catholic Church. He faced life with honesty, integrity, and a willingness to fight any battle for a good cause.

Friends may call at Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street in Newtown, Monday, October 26, from 6 to 8 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in St Rose of Lima Church, Newtown, Tuesday, October 27, at 10:30 am. Interment will follow in St Rose Cemetery.

Donations to Newtown Volunteer Ambulance Association, PO Box 344, Newtown CT 06470, will be appreciated by Mr Smith’s family.

Monday, October 26, 2015: This obituary has been expanded from the original version published on Friday, October 23, 2015.