Anthony Smith

Born in New York, New York on February 6, 1959

Departed on April 4, 2020 and resided in Aurora, Colorado

Anthony Smith made his transition from this world in Wheat Ridge, CO on April 4th, 2020 at the age of 61 surrounded in spirit by love and care from those who loved him most. Anthony was born in New York on February 6th, 1959 to parents Archie Smith (of Boligee, AL) and Sarah (Jeter) Smith (of Spartanburg, SC). He grew up in Hempstead, Long Island. Anthony attended Marshall Primary and Franklin Intermediate schools, and then Hempstead High (Go Tigers!) but later opted for a GED. He attended college in Connecticut for a short while but then decided the United States Air Force was the better career for him. He served as a Senior Airman 1979-1986 stationed at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. Anthony specialized in Cartography, the creation and the study of maps and charts. (Anthony could tell you how to get anywhere if he had the basic address). He was deployed a short time to London, England. After the Air Force, his family moved to Colorado where he resided until his death. Anthony was known for playing a competitive game of chess, hosting impromptu barbecues for neighbors, hosting yard sales, planting gardens, camping in the Rocky mountains, but his top two hobbies were raising fish in a 55 gallon tank and rooting for the Denver Broncos (United in Orange). Anthony use to say, "everyone should have a fish tank". His favorite beverages were Kool Aid, iced tea and vodka. He always had old school candy in his candy jar like Boston Baked Beans, Smarties and hard candies. Anthony worked for a local event and security business aka C.S.E.M located in Aurora, CO. Anthony had so many wonderful memories of festivals, friends' concerts, and being an insider to Denver's well known venues and annual events. Anthony had a passion for helping other vets and homeless people. Often, he provided a meal or shelter to a person down on their luck. Anthony was kind, loving, and fun to be with, yet he also had his moments when he was stubborn and strong-willed. He lived a full life on his own terms up until his departure from this earth. We will remember him as a son, brother, husband, father, uncle, grandfather, coworker, friend and patriot. His ashes will rest at Fort Logan Cemetery in Colorado. He is preceded in death by both parents and his elder brother Archie Smith Jr (Hempstead, NY.). His surviving siblings are Audrey (Smith) Abney (residing in North Charleston, SC) and Debra Ann Smith (residing in Aurora, CO). Anthony and his first wife Yolanda Larson, have three children together, Chanel Tiffany Smith, Toni Michelle Tatum (Smith), and Sean Anthony Smith (all of Las Vegas, NV). Anthony's youngest child is Steven (Padilla) Blan, mother Ruth (Padilla Blan) who resides in Colorado, alongside her husband and Steven's dad, Ronald Blan Sr. Anthony's current wife is Laura Shroyer Smith who resides out of state. Surviving nieces and nephews are: Danielle Latisha Smith (of Virginia Beach, VA), Quiana Sarah Abney (of Ladson, SC), Anthony Alexander Abney (of Charleston, SC) Anika Lenee' (Wilson) Inman (of Conyers, GA) and Sean Elliott Abney (of Seattle WA). Sincere and heartfelt thanks from Anthony's family to all of the medical staff and home care providers, that assisted during the last year of his life: VA Medical Center of Aurora, University of Colorado Health, Denver Hospice, Continental Home Care, Christopher House and a host of neighbors, friends and family. Thank you Latina Funerals and Cremation - Vanessa and team - your warmth, support, and professionalism helped make Anthony's transition and navigating the end of life process a seamless peaceful effort. We appreciate everyone that has reached out to members of our family in kindness through encouraging words, phone, text, e-mails, Facebook, cards and letters.