South Windsor Obituary: Scott Smedley, 54

Scott R. Smedley, 54, of Andover, beloved husband of Melanie (Spencer) Smedley, passed away peacefully Tuesday, October 10, at Hartford Hospital after a valiant battle with cancer.

Scott was born in February of 1963 at Selfridge Air Force Base in Harrison Township, MI to the late Barry Rodman and Mary (Robinson) Smedley. The family moved to Centerville, MA on Cape Cod soon thereafter and Scott grew up there exploring the beaches and woodlands. From an early age, Scott displayed an affinity for the natural world and the sciences; by high school he was performing a detailed inventory of the moths and butterflies of Cape Cod for the natural history museum there.

Scott attended Williams College in Williamstown, MA, graduating with a B.A. cum laude in 1985. He earned a Ph.D. in chemical ecology from Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, in 1993, followed by four years of postdoctoral fellowship at the Cornell Institute for Research in Chemical Ecology.

He and Melanie were married in 1997 and moved to Bolton, as Scott started his job as a Professor of Biology at Trinity College, Hartford. They later moved to Andover, and children Drew (13) and Lydia (10) were born.

Scott’s teaching and research in the biological sciences has ranged from insect chemical ecology to invertebrate zoology, vertebrate animal visits to compost piles, and winter ecology. He was beloved by students and colleagues alike, and was enthusiastic about involving students in research and field work, such as nighttime forays for fireflies.

Scott has been active in their church, Avery Street Christian Reformed, and in the Andover Boy Scout troop with Drew. His greatest love was his family, including extended family. He was steadfast in his faith in Jesus and confident in his eternal security.

He is predeceased by his parents. He is survived by his wife of 20 years, Melanie, his son Drew, and daughter Lydia. He is also survived by his brother and sister-in-law, Kent and Neucimari Smedley, his aunts Patricia Turnbull and Nancy Morrell, and numerous cousins.

Scott’s family will receive friends at the Avery St. Christian Reformed Church 661 Avery St. South Windsor on Saturday, October 21, 2017 from 9:00-11:00 AM with a Funeral Service to follow at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private and at the convenience of the family.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: World Renew 1700 28th St. SE Grand Rapids, MI 49508 or to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute P.O. Box 849168 Boston, MA 02284-9168.

Please visit us online at www.carmonfuneralhome.com for online condolences and guestbook.