SPRINGFIELD, Vt. – It is with great sadness that we share the passing of Dr. Edward Patrick Smith Jr., on April 5, 2026. Ed was born in Philadelphia, Pa., on May 28, 1950, to Edward P. Smith and Mary Agnes Nelson Smith Martin. He delighted in all things Philadelphia, from hoagies and scrapple, to his beloved Eagles, Super Bowl champs!
Ed attended St. Barnabus and West Catholic High School, crediting the nuns and brothers for giving him an excellent education along with hilarious stories to tell. He received his undergraduate degree at Long Island University Brooklyn, before heading back to Philadelphia to receive his doctorate from Temple University School of Podiatric Medicine. It was in Brooklyn where he met Claudia Hall, from Nebraska. They have been together ever since, marrying in 1974.
In 1980, Ed, Claudia, and their first child, Meghan, moved to Springfield, Vt., due to a shared love of the mountains, and to begin his podiatry practice. Siobhan, Eamonn, and Brendan soon joined their family. In 1980, Ed proudly gained surgical privileges at Springfield Hospital, the first podiatrist in Vermont to do so. He served as president of the Vermont Podiatric Medical Board for several terms, as well as holding other executive positions within the organization over the years. Ed was a member of Office and Professional Employees International Union (OPEIU), Local 45. He made many great friends during his tenure with the union and association with the AFL-CIO. He, working along with VPMA and OPEIU, was instrumental in getting the scope of medical practice expanded for podiatrists in Vermont. In 2019, after an illustrious career with many accomplishments along the way, Ed retired from his podiatry practice. He and Claudia loved to travel, and were fortunate to have visited the Caribbean and Europe, Eastern Canada, and the many locations where his children have lived. One of his passions was music, and he enjoyed collecting vintage guitars. He wondered often if selling his guitars way back when to pay for college textbooks was a wise decision. Prior to his passing, Ed spent his final days surrounded by his children and wife, enjoying a true Irish wake with lots of laughter, happy memories and stories, and even a martini.
Ed was predeceased by his parents; his stepfather, Gilbert “Reds” Martin; his older sister Maryanne Moore and her husband, James A. Moore; and his stepbrother, Donald Martin. Surviving him is his wife of 51.5 years, Claudia; his sister Regina ‘Jean’ Trout (Eddie) and stepsister, Gail Rabb (Bob); and his four children, his pride and joy, Meghan M. Smith, of Chicago, Siobhan K. Smith, of Costa Rica, Eamonn P. (Lindsay) Smith, of Cross River, N.Y.; and Brendan C. (Madeline) Smith, of Whispering Pines, N.C. Also surviving are his grandchildren, the absolute delights of his life, Rory and Calin Smith, and Greyson and Ellison Smith; and many nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
Per Ed’s request, there will be no service or wake, but a family gathering will be held at a later date. Memorial donations in Ed’s honor can be made to Windsor County Youth Services, 756 Main Street, P.O. Box 357, Proctorsville, VT 05249; or Springfield Humane Society, 401 Skitchewaug Trail, Springfield, VT 05156.
Davis Memorial Chapel in Springfield, Vt., is assisting with the arrangements.