Stephen M. Smithwick, 87, died on June 9 at his home in Falmouth, Massachsetts with his family by his side.
Smithwick was born on July 20, 1934, in Boston, Mass., the son of the late Reginald Smithwick, M.D. and Eleanor Holton (Smithwick). He attended Choate Rosemary Hall, Brown University, and graduated from Babson College with a bachelor’s degree. While in college, Stephen met his future wife, Sue, and they married in 1959. After he graduated college he began his career in the insurance industry in Boston.
Photo courtesy of Lincoln County News
In 1950 Stephen, as skipper, and his high school team won the North American Junior Sailing Championship (SEARS cup). He was a skilled racer of sailboats and enjoyed cruising and boating both power and sailboats. He owned more than 30 boats over the years, ranging from small sailboats to large power boats. One of his favorite annual trips was to Roque Island. When Stephen and his wife moved to South Bristol in 1987, they built their home on the water so he could enjoy his frequent sailing trips.
That year Stephen opened his own insurance practice in Portland with his business partner, Howard Clarke, calling the company Smithwick & Clarke Insurance. His sons joined the family business and it evolved into Smithwick & Mariners Insurance, with an office in Falmouth and affiliate locations across Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts. Smithwick & Mariners has managed MLA’s vessel’s insurance program for more than 30 years.
Stephen was predeceased by his brother, Reginald “Rex” Smithwick. He is survived by his three sons, Steve Smithwick and wife, Beth, of Palm City, Fla., Chris Smithwick and wife, Missy, of Cumberland, and Scott Smithwick and wife, Elaine, of Falmouth; nine grandchildren; and his cousin, Dan Shearer.
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