Otis “Jerry” Leslie Smith, 87, Died; Former Westonite, Avid Golfer and Fisherman

Jerry passed away on December 22, 2021, at his home on Marco Island, Fl.

He was born in New York City on September 2, 1934, to Dr. William Leslie Smith and Isabelle Orr. He grew up in the Hartford, CT area. He graduated from Westminster School in Simsbury, CT, and attended Middlebury College in Middlebury, Vt, where he met his wife, Gay Nelson. They married in 1958. He went on to receive a Master of Fine Arts from Carnegie Mellon in Pittsburgh, PA. He served in the U.S. Army from 1955 to 1957 and was honorably discharged.

 He moved to Weston, Connecticut in 1961 and resided there for over thirty years.

 Jerry was an executive in the television and entertainment industry, working for the BBC, Twentieth Century Fox, ABC, and World Vision, from which he retired in 1984.

Jerry was an avid golfer and fisherman. After his retirement, he divided his time between Marco Island in Florida, Prouts Neck in Maine, and one of his most favorite places, Middle Dam, a small fishing village on a lake in rural northern Maine.

 He is predeceased by his parents, his brother: William Leslie Smith Jr, his son: Bradford and great niece: Zoë.

Jerry is survived by his wife: Gay Smith, his daughter Gigi Schofield, half-sister Susan Smith Rubin, half-brother Clay Smith, his nieces Kimberley, Elizabeth, Abigail, Courtney, and Carly and great nephews: Justin, Jared, Ian, Owen, and great niece Isabelle.

Jerry will be buried next to his mother and brother at the Hope Cemetery in Kennebunk, Maine. There will be a graveside Memorial Service held in the spring for family and close friends.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Westminster School, 995 Hopmeadow Street, Simsbury, CT 06070, https://westminster-school.myschoolapp.com; or to a charity of the donor’s choice.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Jerry’s Book of Memories Page at www.bibberfuneral.com

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.