Tyler Smith, a musician, teacher, and family man

Tyler Smith of Naugatuck, passed away April 1, 2012 from complications in his battle against cancer.

Ty was born in West Virginia. He attended Bethel High School and WCSU before settling in Naugatuck where he led a fulfilling life: He married Monika (Schemmel) Smith on July 16, 1988 and raised one daughter Kylie Sepko, now of Plainville.

Ty loved music, family, friends, nature, and animals. He was a singer/songwriter, and wrote original music and lyrics which he performed over much of the East Coast as a solo performer, member of duets, and in various bands. He further shared his love of music worldwide via the International Lyrics Playground and locally by serving on the Naugatuck Arts Commission. He could always be found with a guitar in hand for work, a gig, pleasure, Christmas with the family sing along, or to amuse a baby granddaughter.

Ty worked and taught in Bethel and Danbury. He was a cherished employee at the Music Guild until his first battle with cancer in 2003, after which he taught guitar lessons from home, where many of his students also considered him a friend.

He loved his life, his home, family, friends, and his music. He will be truly missed and his memory cherished. We will have an informal celebration of his life, at his home, starting around 4 on the afternoon of April 29th -- to share music and memories. Bring a guitar, a thought, an anecdote, or just stop by to say hi to Linus (the dog). To honor his memory feel free to donate to either a music or nature group, or simply sing a song or hug a loved one.