1939 – 2020
Putnam – Alan “Al” Smat, 81, of Addison St., passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Wednesday, December 30, 2020 at Day Kimball Hospital. He was the loving husband of Marian (Cassettari) Smat. Born in Bristol, CT, he was the son of the late Anthony and Estelle (Lamothe) Smat.
Mr. Smat taught school first at Pomfret Community School. He then went on to help positively shape the young lives of many students as a Band Director, Audio Visual Director and as a Math teacher for Tourtellotte Memorial High School, retiring in 1998. In his retirement, he started working part-time for the Gilman and Valade Funeral Home as a Funeral Assistant up until his passing.
Al was a communicant and active member of Saint Mary Church of the Visitation where he married Marian on August 17, 1963. He spent a lot of time volunteering on several of their committees, such as the property committee and the choir. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus Cargill Council where he was the treasurer since 2010 and proudly earned his 4th degree Knighthood. Many will fondly remember Al as a member of the “Little Big Band” where he was a talented saxophone player. He enjoyed doing puzzles, listening to music, photography, and was a very talented woodworker. Above all, he especially loved spending time with his family and getting together with them at Ogunquit, ME where he enjoyed the beach with his beloved wife, children, and grandchildren. They will treasure those memories with him.
In addition to his wife, Al is survived by his sons, Jeffrey Smat and his wife Karleen of Brunswick, ME, Peter A. Smat and his wife Nicole of Hampton, CT; his daughter, Lana Trudo and her husband Peter of Pomfret; his sister, Shirley Mercieri and her husband John of Burlington, CT; his grandchildren, Ryan Smat, Nicholas Smat, Taylor Smat, Hannah Trudo, Sydney Trudo, Alan Smat, Petra Smat, and Cole Smat; and his great-granddaughter, Mia Smat.
Visiting hours and a Mass of Christian Burial will take place in the Spring at a day and time to be announced. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary Church of the Visitation, P.O. Box 665, Putnam, CT 06260. For memorial guestbook visit www.GilmanAndValade.com.
Kim Bergstrom
Its hard to breathe today….our hearts are so broken. Marian….my friend…..we are here.
Wendy, Steven & Lucia Trudo
We are so saddened to hear of Al’s passing. We shared many family celebrations together and we will always remember him as a joyful, kind and loving man. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. May God comfort and give you peace .
Alan & Linda Rondeau
It is with deep sadness to hear of Al’s passing. May he Rest In Peace♥️ Our Sincere sympathy to You Marian & your family. Hold dear all the wonderful memories you had. ♥️Alan & Linda
Daniel Raymond Garcia
Mr. Smat was one of my greatest teachers. An excellent man, and a wonderful person. I am saddened to hear of his passing and extend my sympathies to the family. He will be greatly missed!
Mary Scalise
I am so sorry for your loss!
Donna OBrien
Marian, my deepest sympathy to you and your family. May God send his angels down to comfort you.
Phillip houle
Al it was a pleasure working w you at tourtellotte school system.many fond memories.may you rest in peace.with deepest to the smat family.shirley,ray, phil houle
Linda Manso
Such a wonderful dedicated man. He touched so many lives and will be missed by all. Deepest condolences and prayers to the family. Dave and Linda Manso
Betsey Kuhn
I am saddened but this news. Mr. Smat taught me to play the flute in 5th grade and I continued playing for 4 years… onto playing guitar my freshman year. I would continue to see him in town my whole life. He always said Hi to me … he will be missed. RIP Mr. Smat….
L Drouin
To the family and friends of Alan, my condolences on your loss. May memories made and times shared help you through this most difficult time.
With utmost sympathy,
Lori (Picard) Drouin
Donna Kuhn Rumrill
Heaven has received an Amazing Angel. ❤️❤️
Becky Reid
I’m deeply saddened to hear of your passing Mr. Smat…rare to have a teacher make such an impact on ones life but you did.. Thank you for everything, I was talking about you this morning about your trip to Hawaii and the black sand, only to read of your passing…such a big loss for the community.. I send my deepest sympathy to the smat family..
Susan Scraba Johnston
Dear Marion and Family,
Keeping you close in thought during this sad time and wishing you moments of peace and fond memories.
Sincere sympathy,
Susan Scraba Johnston
Shanon Sabourin
It’s hard to find the words to describe what a wonderful person he was. Heavy hearts, until we meet again. Love you
Janice (Sheldon) Knipe
Mr Smat was a kind and gentle teacher and man. The world has lost a wonderful soul .RIP
David & Darlene Cassettari
my God bless you Marion and family in your time of grief, and we wish you find peace in all the good memories of Al
David & I are sad to hear of your loss, Al was such a good man and he will be missed by all of his family and friends.
a good thought that he is in heaven playing the sax while Leo & Norma dance
if there is anything we can do let us know
Lisa Oleszewski-Knavel
Take note of how wonderful of a life he lived. Rejoice in all the memories of times well spent. He was a great teacher but a more importantly a selfless man who had a big heart and cared for all he knew. Thoughts and prayers to you and your family. The Oleszewski family and Knavel family.
Ken & Anne Dery
Dear Marian and family,
So shocked and saddened to hear of Al’s passing. Al was always the kindest, friendliest man to us whenever we met. Always taking the time to engage in conversation. He will be missed.
Please accept our sincerest sympathy.
Fondly,
Ken and Anne Dery
Tracey Dexter Matthews
My heart goes out to the entire Smat family during this difficult time. May the wonderful memories you have of your husband, father, grandfather and brother help you through this very difficult time.
Donald Morin
I am truly saddened to hear that Mr. Smat has passed. He was a fine musician, a great teacher and an overall great guy. He was an asset to t.he Thompson-Putnam area. He will truly be missed.
Jack and Jeannette Bibek
So sorry for your loss Marian and family!!Al was a good man and always kind and friendly!!He is now in the hands of the Lord, May he Rest In Peace. He has touched the lives of so many during his time on earth, he now will reap his heavenly reward!!
Nancy Scott (Ouillette)
Mr. Smat was my band director in high school. I graduated in 1997 from Tourtellotte High. I majored in music in college because of his encouragement. He was a gift and will truly be missed.
Peter Lombardo
Words cannot express my sense of loss and sorrow at the loss of such a kind, caring, giving, witty, talented man who I was fortunate to call my friend. Marian, our hearts go out to you and your family. Jennifer and I are here for anything you need.
Love and sympathy,
Peter and Jennifer
Danielle Durand
Mr Smat was one of three teachers I looked forward to seeing everyday at school. He was my math teacher senior year. Rest in peace Mr Smat, you will be missed.
Chad Bergeron
I don’t even know where to begin. I did not even know how to play the drums. But in the 5th grade, I joined band. The Band Room had the music notes to “The Eye of the Tiger”. I went from playing the base drum moving on to Jazz Band, Pep Band, Marching Band, etc. There are only a few people in life that mold you and leave a mark.
Mr. Smat was loyal to us. Teaching his passion.
And boy was he patient…..putting up with all of our shenanigans. I can still see his smirk.
He always got you in the pressure point in your neck!
I cannot express enough how much Mr. Smat was appreciated by all !
My sincere condolences to Mrs. Smat and the entire family.
Brandy murphy
He will be missed my favorite teacher and an amazing man. Thoughts go out to his family at this difficult time
Allison Picard
I am so sorry to hear about the passing of Mr. Smat. I am extremely saddened for Marian and the rest of her family. Mr. Smat was not only a fantastic band teacher, he was also an encourager and mentor to students, always thinking on the positive side. He was a man of integrity, great character, and heart. In the years that I was part of the Jr. High and High School Band, I learned so much about how the instrument was just the beginning of what music was truly about…the notes and melody were important, but to play with intention and feeling was paramount to its true meaning. More important, were the character traits that I learned from Mr. Smat by his pure example. I took these lessons with me as I attended college, and continued playing in the college band. In the years post-college and into the years of work, marriage, and children, I would see Mr. Smat at the funeral home, where he parked cars and comforted the bereaved. With his own brand of gentle, quiet respect, he was there for my own family members who were grieving when a loved one passed. I was always thankful to see that familiar face. I will be forever grateful. I pray peace and comfort to Marian and her family as they navigate through this difficult time. Though we deeply grieve the loss of Alan Smat here on this Earth, Heaven is surely celebrating his arrival. Rest in Peace, Mr. Smat.
Robin Sanzi
Me deepest condolences to Marian and her family. I pray for strength and courage to help you through this very difficult time. Al was a very special, patient, and kind man. My son was only 9 years old when he started playing the Sax at St. Mary’s Church and Al took him under his wing. Thank you Al for all you did for my family. God bless you. Rest In Peace
Daniel Boutin
I am forever grateful for learning to play the bass guitar from Mr. Smat. He was a superb teacher with patience, humor, and empathy. My condolences to his family and May he Rest In Peace.
Catherine (la chance) Festo
My deepest sympathy to the Smat family. Mr. Smat gone too soon. He touched the lives of so many.
Edmund "Doc" Bonneau
Our deepest condolences, Marian. Al was not only a colleague but a good friend. I will sorely miss his smile and unbridled optimism. We have lost another “Good One” ! Doc
Marcia Bardin
Truly a sad day. I have many fond memories being a member of the TMHS band under his direction. He had such patients and always a smile. Please accept our deepest sympathy in this difficult time. May he Rest In Peace. Brian & Marcia Bardin
The Lengyel’s
Marian, thinking of you and the family. Sending love and prayers.
Julie & Scott
A great man, teacher, friend, will by greatly missed. Prayers for the family. Heaven gained an angel.
Mark and Lisa Cassettari
Mark and I can’t believe he was taken so soon.
We will always remember him as a kind and vibrant man !! He was always so kind and thoughtful ! I’m sure Heaven is waiting for him with open arms. Our deepest condolences go out to your family. Love Mark and Lisa
Michele Comtois
It is with deep sadness to hear of Al’s passing. May he Rest In Peace♥️ My Sincere sympathy to You Marian & your family. Michele (Castonguay) Comtois
Dave Babbitt
Well , the Tigers have lost a “good” one…Mr. Smat did it all for us….Band and music, math teacher, made all of our audio visual work…concerts at Christmas and thought the year… all of those assemblies….graduation….He made it work in many ways…we are all indebted to him….in retirement he continued to serve at the funeral home….making sure he did his part for all to be buried with dignity….we are going to miss him and we offer our deepest sympathy to Mrs . Smat and the entire family…RIP, Mr. Smat…Dave Babbitt
Monique Mailloux
Marian and family, I am so saddened to hear of the passing of Mr.Smat. Heaven truly gained an angel. He was such a wonderful man! Sending prayers, during this most difficult time.
Blenda Salvas
Wishing you all peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and many loving memories to forever hold in your heart.
He was a great man that always made me feel welcome. I know my brothers all loved him as their band teacher at Tourtellotte.
Pauline Tetreault
Marion and family, My heart if very saddened to hear the news of Al’s passing. You are in my thoughts and prayers. He will be greatly missed.
Love & sympathy
Pauline
Brian Gontowski
I took private trumpet lessons with Mr. Smat starting in the 5th grade. He taught me how to play, but more importantly how to be a musician. I consider him a mentor and a friend. My condolences go out to his family.
Kristine Durocher
So sorry- he will be missed by all of us,!! Too soon!!
Palm Sunday will not be the same
Marian-my heart goes out to you-
Please let me know how I can help ❤️
Gloria & Rene Marion
Marian,
Our prayers are with you today. Al was such a wonderful man who always had a smile and kind words. He truly touched so many lives in this community.
Our deepest condolences to you and your family.
Clyde Porter
Mr. Smat was my math teacher 55 years ago – and I still remember what a great teacher and role model he was. A few years ago, we crossed paths and I was able to thank him in person. He was still the same kind and smiling person I remembered.
My condolences to his family during this sad time. A wonderful man who inspired me and many others. Thanks again Mr. Smat – Rest In Peace.
Katy Bousquet
Marian and Family,
Such a sad day for everyone in his family and his community. Putnam has lost one of our finest.
Al was such a gentle person. Cherish the memories that make you smile and hold those memories close to your heart.
With sincere sympathy,
Katy Weiss Bousquet
Cheri Sullivan
I am so saddened to hear of Mr. Smat’s passing. He was the one teacher who I and many others started learning from in elementary school and continued on with all through middle and high school. He shall forever be remembered as a dedicated teacher and a very patient man. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
Jean Ryan
With a breaking heart and great sadness, I offer my condolence to Marian and her family. When I moved here 30 years ago I was blessed to become a member of St Mary’s Church. I was welcomed by the many church members into a loving family. Al and Marian were always there to lead and share that love with others. Al Smat, will be greatly missed. Hugs my friend.
Linda (Comtois ) Nizamoff and Victor Nizamoff
So sorry to hear of his passing. He was one of my favorite teachers .I remember going into band class and when he would walk in we would say “Mr. Smat play the pink panther” and he would walk over to the piano and play the theme song. Loved his class and loved him too. May his memory be eternal. A student from the class 0f 1976
Kevin Bernier
We are so sorry to hear of Al’s death, and send all of you our warmest support and prayers. Reconnecting with him briefly during the recent loss of our Dad was a very welcomed distraction, and his familiarity provided us great comfort. Be well.
Cherie Smutnick
My deepest condolences to the Smat family and all who knew and loved him. Al was a great man and teacher. I was heartbroken to hear of his passing. Sending love and light to his family.
Deborah Dunn
Marian, Jeff, Peter &Lana,
We are so sorry to hear of Al’s passing . He was a bright light & a great person. He truly touched so many lives in our community. Our thoughts & prayers are with each of you.
Sending Love ,
Deb Dunn & Kevin
Stephen Andrea Coderre
We are so very sadden ed by Mr Smith’s passing he was an awesome teacher you couldn’t find a better teacher and just an overall good person he will be deeply missed
Stephen Andrea Coderre
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Mr smat he was a great teacher and just an overall good person you couldn’t have asked for a better teacher to be in the school he will be sadly missed rest in peace
Jeanne Trudo
Marian and family, my deepest sympathy goes out to you all. Super man, Dad, and Poppa. Many good memories of family gatherings. Love and prayers for all of you. Love Jeanne Trudo
Pete & Chris Benoit
So sorry for your loss, our prayers are with you. May he rest in peace.
Robert Thompson
It was always a pleasure interacting with Al at school or in town. His ready smile and positive attitude will be in our memories. We are so sorry for your loss.
Liz snd Bob Thompson
Rev. Tim Gilbert
My condolences to the Smat family. Mr. Smat was such a good man, and gave so much to the community in which he resided. He will be terribly missed.
Debra Dery LaFiandra
Dear Mrs. Smat and family,
Just heartbreaking to hear of Mr. Smat’s passing. He was someone who was always willing to share a smile and make you feel like you were important. He shared his passion for music and the community with everyone – simply making Thompson/Putnam better places. His love for his family was the real inspiration. Such a good man. Peace and love to you all. Debra Dery LaFiandra
paula morin
Marion and family,
Deepest sorrow for your loss. Al was a great friend. We just connected on Facebook and enjoyed our visit.
Peace for him and peace you know he is in heaven.
Dan McGarry
There is truly a hole in the world today. My deepest, deepest sympathies on your loss.
I will never forget, as long as I live, the day Mr. Smat fired off a cap gun in band practice! The entire room jumped! (A little background: we were rehearsing a piece we had performed dozens of times & we were ALL messing up. Mr Smat feigned exasperation and declared “the next person who screws up gets shot”. I don’t think we were 3 bars into it when one of the woodwinds gaffed, he pulled a cap gun out & fired it! It was exactly the tension break we needed.)
He was a blessing to all who met him. Whether he knew it or not his influence was far wider and more profound than he ever could have imagined.
Moe and Pam Coderre
Moe & Pam Coderre
January 1, 2021 5:44 pm
Dear Marian and family,
What can be said of such a fine man. Al & I had many conversations while working at Gilman’s. I will miss his stories and his friendly manner. It is still difficult to accept that he is no longer with us. Our deepest sympathy to your family.
Maryann Hamilton
Al was such a great guy that we got to know through our friend Kathy. He was always so friendly and kind as if we knew him forever. We even went to hear him play…he was so talented. Marian rest assured to that he was well loved by all and especially you. You know God is waiting for him with a special spot marked “saved for Al Smat.” Peace and love-Maryann and Jack
Annette Vigeant Hulefeld
Dearest Marian, I wish I could be in town right now just to be with you. Such a heartache, such a loss for you and your family. Alan must have been an unusual earth angel for sure and it would be such a blessing to hear the stories and listen to the memories. Know that it may be years since we were together but never do I forget out high school friendship, the laughter, and outrageous good times. I send you love and May God’s tender mercy bring peace to your heart. If you can send me your email, we can keep in touch. Love and hugs Annette Vigeant Hulefeld
Aimee-Rose Willett
I am so sorry to hear of Mr. Smat’s passing. He was always so loving and encouraging as I moved forward in my music career, always taking a moment to stop and ask how it was going. He played so beautifully and was a true picture of what it meant to create music through God. May he rest easy. My love to you all during this very difficult time of grief.
Christine Trudo-Mayo & Greg Mayo & family
We will cherish our joint family gatherings, impromptu pool dips, and his warm and kind presence as well as his humor! All our love and prayers to the Smat family and Marion.
John R Manis
Mr. Smat was my math teacher for a couple years back in 89-90. I remember playing a couple pranks on him. He always took it seriously but not angry. He was a great teacher. He also did the music classes. He was my music teacher back in middle school. That’s what got me into playing drums for over 30 years now. May God accept him.
Jimi Gothreau
This is so unbelievably sad. Al videotaped our wedding back in 1985 and became a good friend, instantly. A real class act, a gentleman. The world is worse without him in it. No doubt about it.
Dee Carnahan
Dear Marian & family. Some people are so wonderful that you can’t fathom them ever being called home to God. You truly want them here to make our world a better place to be. No matter when you saw Al, he broke into a smile and always had time to say hi and chat for a few minutes. And, when he wasn’t working a funeral, if you saw him, he was always with Marian, and they’d stop to acknowledge you together. I guess God just needed some help in heaven and thought that Al could handle whatever needed to be done. May he rest in peace until we all meet him again in heaven! Lots of love & sympathy to all of you at this very sad time! Dee & Rick
Susan Ayers
Mr. Smat was one of my teachers at Pomfret Community School, he was a wonderful teacher. So sorry to read of his passing, with sympathy, Susan Ayers.
Connie Olmstead
So sorry for your loss Marion and family I know what you are going through just take one day at a time and know he is in a better and safe place.
gerard bernier
knew him as a teacher and coworker at western auto a good guy god bless
Bernadette Quercia
Marian and family, we offer you our sincere condolences. Al touched so many lives over the years and gave countless Thompson students, and colleagues, many wonderful memories. He was the ultimate gentleman who was never too busy for a smile and a little chat. We know that there are no words to ease your pain but we can only hope that the memories will offer some comfort. With sympathy, Bernadette and Cos Quercia
RENE AND LYNNE MORIN
Marian and Family,
Sometimes life just does not seem fair. Why would Al be taken from us so suddenly and at such a young, vibrant age. He had so much more to offer in life… I suspect that God needed another good musician in Heaven and he certainly made a great choice. We will all hear him play again when our Heavenly time comes calling. A true gentleman, scholar and good guy to everyone he ever met. Lynne and I will always remember the good time in Aruba together with you Marian, and the entire crew, and with our frequent encounters in Ogunquit. The Marginal Way will never be the same. Marian, our deepest sympathy
to your entire Family. With love and prayers,
Rene and Lynne
Dr. Greg & Geri Gazzola
Marian-Peace & Love my Friend to you and your Family! My God give you the strength to find comfort in the loving memories you both shared! God Bless!
Tom Auclair
My deepest condolences to the Smat family on you’re loss. I had the pleasure of working with Al for many years at T MHS. He was my main source for all the audio visual needs for my class curriculum and coaching areas. I believe we we’re one of the first high schools in the area to use audio visual training for the baseball program. Al was always there to help me all he could. He was a fine an d caring man!! May he rest in peace.
Tom & Jan Auclair
Avon Park, Fl.
Laurie and Brian Semprebon
We were so sorry to hear of Al’s passing. We had the pleasure of playing with Al in the Little Big Band for many years, both of us in the sax section with Al. He will be sorely missed.
Lea Rzeznikiewicz
Alan was a very good friend of mine . One of the nicest man I have met !When my husband and I first got married we lived in Danielson Alan was a mailman! I didn’t see him till years later I was working at the convent in the nursing department. It What is a funeral for one of our sisters that passed away. I was standing in line and I looked up and it was Alan and he looked at me and smiled and said Lea Rzeznikiewicz North Street Danielson. I was like what he said are used to be your mailman when you and your husband first got married and you were living in Danielson. I smiled and said now I remember you.It was a pleasure knowing Alan it was a good man he will be well missed. My condolences to the family
Allison (Franklin) Dumas
Mrs Smat and family- I am so sorry to hear of Mr Smat’s passing. I remember the stories my parents use to tell of the Addison Street friends. You are in my thoughts.
Ann Russso
Marion,Jeff,Peter&Lana,and families Al was a special person. So sorry to hear of his passing. Knew your family for so long he always said Hi whenever I met him and your mother shopping. They were wonderful people to know. Always saw them shopping together. A great person to have known.
Karen (Ciesluk) Gutterman
I was so saddened to hear the news that Mr. Smat had passed. He was such a kind, supportive teacher that was amazingly patient, and with my class he needed to be patient… In 5th grade he taught me how to play the clarinet and then as time went on, taught me how to play the saxophone and really enjoy so many different types of music. I can’t hear SIr Duke by Stevie Wonder and not think about playing with Mr. Smat and our high school band. Although it’s been about 30 years since I last saw him, I still so fondly remember him. My thoughts go out to his family and friends.
John Christie
I knew and respected Al when I worked with him in the Little Big Band. He was a fine musician and person.
Barbara Satterlee
To: the Smat family,
I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you and your family.
John F Gennette
My sincerest sympathay to Marian and family. Al and I had such great memories of Hartt College of Music, Rest in peace my friend.
KEN PRESTON
Rest in Peace Mr. Smat, Saddened to hear he has passed away. I was lucky enough to see him a few years ago in Passing on 1 of my trips home to Ct. I couldn’t believe he remembered me right away with no hesitation, that shows you the kind of man he was toward his students. He always did Tourtellotte proud. My Condolences to Mrs. Smat, his children & family.
Laurie Mainville
So very sorry, thoughts and prayers with the family. So happy to have known him. Great teacher and a wonderful man. ❤️