Obituary of Darryl Smith

" Granby – Darryl M. Smith, 54, lost his 20-month battle with brain cancer on April 20, 2009 surrounded by his family and friends. Born on March 6, 1955 in Holyoke, MA, he is the son of Keith O. Smith and the late Rose F. (Dascanio) of Chicopee. A 1973 graduate of Chicopee Comprehensive High School, Darryl was raised in Chicopee and has lived in Granby for the past 24 years. Working for 30 years as the proprietor of DMS Auto Body and Collision in Chicopee, Darryl also took his mechanic skills on the road while his son raced motocross. Darryl was a 3rd Degree member of the Fairview Knights of Columbus Council 4044, coached basketball for the Granby Athletics Association, enjoyed bass fishing, attending Red Sox games and traveling to NASCAR races in his RV. Besides his father, he is survived by his beloved wife of 29 years JoAnn (Klimczyk) and two loving children, Danielle A. Smith and her fiance Brian S. Langevin, both of Holyoke, and Wesley D. Smith of Granby. Darryl also leaves behind a sister Deborah A. Jodoin and her husband David of Granby, in-laws Joseph and Natalie Klimczyk of South Hadley, sister-in-law Debi Geraghty and her husband John of Holyoke, and three nephews, Jason Geraghty, and Derek and Daniel Jodoin. Darryl will also be missed by his furry companions Micah and Mittens. The funeral will begin at 9 a.m. on Friday, April 24, 2009 at Beers & Story South Hadley Funeral Home, 646 Newton St., with a mass at St. Patrick's Church in South Hadley at 10 a.m. followed by the burial in St. Stanislaus Cemetery in Chicopee. Visiting hours will be held on Thursday, April 23, 2009 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or a charity of one's choice. "