Steven Alan Smith, 69, of Lakeville, MN passed away unexpectedly from a cardiac event at his lake home in Cumberland, WI on December 17, 2022.

He was born in Boston, MA to Raymond Alexander and Mary Eileen (Griffin) Smith and grew up in Winthrop, MA.

Steve and Cathy were high school sweethearts and soulmates who were inseparable from early on. They loved to travel together all over the globe. Steve was a caretaker for Cathy while she was battling and recovering from breast cancer. He loved spending time with his family, friends and grandkids – his favorite role most of all was that of grandpa (aka Gump).

Steve was an airline industry manager for nearly 40 years. He started his career in 1979 with Northwest Airlines in Boston. His roles took him to Minneapolis, Memphis and Atlanta. He came out of retirement to end his career back in Boston with American Airlines. What he loved most about his job were the people. He was admired by superiors and subordinates alike – bringing skills of leadership, diplomacy and negotiation to his role. He could handle the thorniest of personnel issues and leave everyone feeling heard.

Steve was civically engaged and often volunteering in his community. He looked forward to his annual pilgrimage to Twins/Red Sox spring training games. A Boston transplant with a loyalty to his Boston teams, he did become a Twins fan… except for when the Red Sox were playing.

Ever the political junkie, he loved to wind people up, but ultimately he was seeking deeper understanding. Steve always exuded consideration for others and a genuine curiosity for understanding different points of view. The twinkle in his eye rarely left – and that humor and joyfulness will be remembered by many.

Steve will be dearly missed by his loving wife of 44 years, Cathleen "Cathy" Richardson Smith; sons, Christopher Steven (Kellee) Smith and Matthew Justin (Amanda) Smith; grandchildren, Bodee James, Paislee Rose, Russell Christopher and Leon Murphy Smith, plus one on the way; siblings, Jimmy Smith, Peggy Masella, Robert (Elaine) Smith and Lisa (James) Robbins.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Ray and Eileen, and sister, Suzanne Smith.

A celebration of life ceremony will be planned for a later date, details forthcoming in Spring 2023.

Skinner Funeral Home of Cumberland, WI is serving the family.

Last Update: Dec 21, 2022 8:46 am CST