Philip L. Smith III

Philip L. Smith, III
Philip L. Smith III, of Bridgeport, beloved husband of Maura O'Connell, died on December 31, 2022 after a brief illness.
Phil was born in Baltimore, Maryland to the late Philip L. Smith Jr. and Marie Driscoll Smith. He grew up in Stratford.
Phil was retired from the State of Connecticut, where he worked at the Department of Labor, Department of Transportation, and under secretary at the Office of Policy and Management. Phil started his career in government working as an aide to Senator George "Doc" Gunther. After moving to Bridgeport, he served as executive Director of the City of Bridgeport's charter revision commission. He ran unsuccessfully for state Senate in the late 80s.
A great animal lover, Phil was also a voracious reader, history, buff, a member of the national Association for an amateur radio and the mystery writers of America. He loved vacationing on Martha's Vineyard and performing weddings.
Survivors in addition to his wife include, sister-in-law, Jamie Avellino and her husband, Paul and their daughters, Gina and Jennifer; brother-in-law, Terry O'Connell and daughters Caitlan and her family and Grace; and many cousins. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his brother, Michael; and his canine rescues, Senator and Juno.
Friends are invited to attend a service on Saturday, January 7, 2023 at 11:30 a.m. at St Michael Garden Mausoleum. In lieu of flowers, contributions in his memory may be made to Donors Choose www.donorschoose.org, City Lights Gallery www.city lights gallery.org or an animal rescue of one's choice. Please visit www.pisteyfuneralhome.com to express condolences.