William Cyrus “Cy” Smith, of Newark, DE passed away peacefully on Thursday, April 29, 2021, at his daughter’s home with family by his side. Cy was born on June 2, 1922, son of the late Lola J. and Gustavus Henderson Smith, Sr. He was a graduate of Newark High School, class of 1940. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II as a Gunner’s Mate on Liberty Ship SS Thomas J. Jarvis and participated in the D-Day invasion. He was employed at Magneto and Auto Electric in Wilmington, DE. Cy’s lifelong passion was his dedication to service for the Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company, where he was a member since 1949. He served with the Delaware Fire Police Association, retiring as Fire Police Emeritus. He regarded his friendships at Aetna as treasured gifts. From fighting fires, Friday night meetings, banquet events, and the Outer Banks fishing trips from 1985-2000, these men have been a constant in his life.

Family was everything to Cy, he was a loving husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother and uncle. He was loved by many and will be greatly missed.

In addition to his parents, Cy was predeceased in death by his wife of 50 years, Katherine Egnor Smith; sister, Rebecca Mary Smith and brothers: Clarence Eugene Smith and Gustavus Henderson Smith, Jr. He is survived by his children: Wayne Smith (Cindy) of Elkton, MD, Doug Smith of Lewes, DE, Mart Smith (Gwen) of North East, MD, Brian Smith (Teri) of Newark, DE, and Shelly Tattersall (David) of Landenberg, PA; grandchildren: Shane Smith, Christopher Smith, Andrew Smith, Jennifer Tymes (Aki), Kelly Swab (Andrew), Scott Main (Michelle), Brandon Smith (Cameron), Benjamin Smith, Abby Smith, Justin Tattersall, Colin Tattersall and Quinn Tattersall; and 14 great grandchildren. Cy always said being a grandfather was his greatest joy in life.

The family would like to thank the Coatesville VA, Home Instead, and Willow Tree Hospice for their great care and kindness shown to Cy and his family.

A celebration of Cy’s life will be held on Friday, May 7, 2021 at 11:00 a.m. at R.T. Foard & Jones Funeral Home, 122 W. Main Street, Newark, DE 19711, where friends and family may start visiting at 10:00 a.m. Burial will be at All Saints Cemetery, 6001 Kirkwood Hwy, Wilmington, DE 19808. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to “Aetna Hose, Hook & Ladder Company” and sent in care of the funeral home.