Former Norwalk High School Band Director Dies In Car Accident

NORWALK, CT — Jeff Smith, a beloved former band director at Norwalk High School, recently died in a car accident, according to tributes posted to social media.

Sen. Majority Leader Bob Duff, who shared news of Smith's passing on his official Facebook page Friday, noted Smith was his band instructor when he was a student at Norwalk High.

"He literally taught generations of students over decades and continued to be involved with band life even after his retirement," Duff said. "A gifted musician in his own right, he inspired hundreds of students to teach or perform, many of whom would never taken that path without an instructor like Jeff Smith.

Duff also shared a message from Smith's family that confirmed the former band director died in a car accident.

"Jeff cherished his family and the band family, was devoted to his students and celebrated each of your milestones every single day," the Smiths' message reads. "In challenging times Jeff would ask that you keep your shoulders back, chin up and eyes with pride. Please always remember that and know that he loved you all."

The Smith family also noted they would share more information as it becomes available.

According to the Stamford Advocate, Smith was employed by Norwalk Public Schools for nearly 25 years before retiring as the NHS band director in 2010. During that time, Smith led the school's Marching Bears to 20 conference championship titles over the course of 24 years.

"Mr. Smith was one of a kind," Duff said. "We will never forget the pickle van from the 80's, his intensity to pull the potential out of every student or his demand to achieve perfection."