Obituary for David Ellsworth Smith
David Ellsworth Smith of Bonita Springs, FL passed away on October 19, 2020 at the age of 76. After several years of declining health, Coach Smith died peacefully with his wife Donna and two sons, Mike and Mark by his side. In his last days, David thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories from literally hundreds of his former students, players and colleagues. He also appreciated hearing well wishes from family and friends.
David was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 17th, 1943 to father Maurice Irving Smith and mother Marian Harriet Smith. The oldest of 4 siblings, David grew up in Downers Grove and attended Purdue University. To the very end, he was extremely proud of being a Reamer. David spent his professional life coaching and teaching others. Namely, he was a math teacher, football coach, and athletic director at Hinsdale South High School. He was inducted into the Illinois HS Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2001. One of the great joys came in the recognition and recent Hall of Fame induction he received with the staff and players of his 1980-81 football team. He remained close with many of the athletes he coached throughout his career including this special team which finished second in state. In retirement, he was the president of Spanish Wells Country club and rose to be the chairman of all volunteers for the senior’s PGA and LPGA events held in Naples, FL.
David enjoyed playing golf, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He and Donna loved to host both up at their cottage on Clear Lake in Tomahawk, WI and their home in Bonita Springs. David will be remembered for his sense of humor, his impact on others and his patience to teach all of his grandchildren how to drive using his golf carts.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters Nancy Doerhoefer and Marylyn Marquardt. He is survived by his wife Donna Grace Smith; brother Mick Smith (Susan); sister-in law Eileen, brother-in-law Mitch (Diane), sister-in law-Maryann (Mike); children Mike (Daria) Smith and Mark (Christine) Smith; stepchildren Bob Giltrow (Marsha) and Linda Obradovic (Mitch); grandchildren Natalie, Erica, Brianna and Haleigh; step grandchildren Jacob, Brandon, Danielle, Nikola and Mia; step great-grandson Will; many loved nieces and nephews.
The family has decided that there will not be a funeral at this time. Details regarding 2 different celebration-of-life gatherings (one in Florida and one in Illinois) will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzeimers Support Network at 660 Tamiami Trail North Suite #21 Naples, FL 34102
We wish to extend our gratitude to: Hope Hospice; Alzeimers Support Network; Inspired Living and Life Home Health.
David was born in Milwaukee, WI on November 17th, 1943 to father Maurice Irving Smith and mother Marian Harriet Smith. The oldest of 4 siblings, David grew up in Downers Grove and attended Purdue University. To the very end, he was extremely proud of being a Reamer. David spent his professional life coaching and teaching others. Namely, he was a math teacher, football coach, and athletic director at Hinsdale South High School. He was inducted into the Illinois HS Athletic Directors Association Hall of Fame in 2001. One of the great joys came in the recognition and recent Hall of Fame induction he received with the staff and players of his 1980-81 football team. He remained close with many of the athletes he coached throughout his career including this special team which finished second in state. In retirement, he was the president of Spanish Wells Country club and rose to be the chairman of all volunteers for the senior’s PGA and LPGA events held in Naples, FL.
David enjoyed playing golf, traveling and spending time with his family and friends. He and Donna loved to host both up at their cottage on Clear Lake in Tomahawk, WI and their home in Bonita Springs. David will be remembered for his sense of humor, his impact on others and his patience to teach all of his grandchildren how to drive using his golf carts.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his two sisters Nancy Doerhoefer and Marylyn Marquardt. He is survived by his wife Donna Grace Smith; brother Mick Smith (Susan); sister-in law Eileen, brother-in-law Mitch (Diane), sister-in law-Maryann (Mike); children Mike (Daria) Smith and Mark (Christine) Smith; stepchildren Bob Giltrow (Marsha) and Linda Obradovic (Mitch); grandchildren Natalie, Erica, Brianna and Haleigh; step grandchildren Jacob, Brandon, Danielle, Nikola and Mia; step great-grandson Will; many loved nieces and nephews.
The family has decided that there will not be a funeral at this time. Details regarding 2 different celebration-of-life gatherings (one in Florida and one in Illinois) will be shared at a later date. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to the Alzeimers Support Network at 660 Tamiami Trail North Suite #21 Naples, FL 34102
We wish to extend our gratitude to: Hope Hospice; Alzeimers Support Network; Inspired Living and Life Home Health.