J. Adam LeRoy Smith, 59, passed away on November 25, 2024. Adam was a remarkable man whose life was defined by compassion, loyalty, and a passion for the things that brought him joy.
Adam proudly served in the United States Navy before pursuing his bachelor’s degree in nursing, a career he dedicated himself to for over 30 years. As a home healthcare infusion nurse, Adam provided care and comfort to countless patients, embodying the heart of his profession with skill and kindness.
Brilliant and full of life, Adam cherished his group of lifelong friends, who became his chosen family. Holidays, special occasions, and everyday moments spent with them and their families were some of his greatest joys. Their bond was a testament to the deep connections he fostered with the people he cared about most.
Adam’s love for music was unmatched. A devoted fan of heavy metal and classic rock, he found magic in the music and delighted in attending rock concerts. His home always had the best stereo systems, a reflection of his passion for sound. He was also an avid sports fan, attending games and proudly supporting the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings.
With his gift for storytelling, Adam had a way of making people laugh with his entertaining tales, always told with a comical twist. His humor and vibrant personality left an indelible mark on everyone who knew him.
Adam was predeceased by his parents, Joseph and Irene Smith, and his brother, Victor Lisser. He is survived by his beloved little dog, Irena (“Rena”); his Aunt Beverly Zacher; cousin Taryn Stell; and his lifelong friends Anthony and Marie Nuccio, Jeff and Joanna Lucas, Jose and Laurie Gainza Jr., Sean Conners, Cynthia and Gary Lubben, along with many other dear friends who enriched his life.
Adam’s kindness, humor, and love will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew him.
A celebration of his life will be planned on January 25th at
Veterans Funeral Care
830 N Belcher Rd Clearwater Fl 33765
please arrive by 3:30pm
where his friends and family will gather to honor his memory and the incredible person he was.
Rest in peace, Adam. You were truly one of a kind
Today, we gather to celebrate the life of Adam Smith—my brother in spirit, steadfast friend, and cherished companion for nearly 40 years. While today brings sorrow, it is also a time to honor the joy, laughter, love, and wild energy Adam brought into our lives.
Adam and I first met in 1985 at Hospital Corpsman School at Naval Station Great Lakes. We were later stationed together at Naval Submarine Base New London, where we played sports, roomed together, and partied like typical 20-year-olds. After two years, Smitty transferred to the USS John F. Kennedy (CV 67), but our bond remained strong. When he was diagnosed with cancer, I visited him at Bethesda. It was a tough time, but Smitty faced it head-on and beat it. Those early years forged a lifelong friendship that weathered every challenge.
Smitty wasn’t just my friend; he was family—my brother from another mother and the godfather to my son, JP. For over 35 years, Thanksgiving became our tradition—a time for football, good food, and gratitude for having each other in our lives.
One of Smitty’s greatest gifts to me was his love for music. He introduced me to metal—Metallica, Scorpions, Ozzy Osbourne, Black Sabbath, Queensrÿche—and we went to countless concerts together over the years. His taste in music was as eclectic as it was passionate, and while he loved the harder sounds, we also shared a deep appreciation for Jimmy Buffett. If Buffett was playing within driving distance, we were there, singing along, having a few drinks, and soaking up the good vibes. One of our most recent adventures was attending a Chicago concert in Clearwater at The BayCare Sound. Music was the rhythm of Adam’s life, and it brought us closer together.
Sports were another great passion that Smitty and I shared. He was a walking encyclopedia of sports knowledge and could talk for hours about any sport, any player, any team. While his heart belonged to Wisconsin teams, he had a deep love for his Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a season ticket holder, he made sure to set aside a game each season for us to attend together. As JP grew older, Adam ensured he and my son shared in that experience as well. That’s who Adam was—thoughtful, generous, and always putting others first.
He brought energy and excitement wherever he went. His wild and carefree spirit—sometimes more than I was comfortable with—was a part of what made him so unique. Smitty faced his share of challenges, and there were some dark times along the way. Life wasn’t always easy for him, but he faced it with resilience, and we shared many heartfelt talks about those struggles.
Though Adam is no longer with us, his spirit lives on in our cherished memories, the music that moves us, and the unbreakable bonds we shared. He will be deeply missed.
As I say goodbye to Adam today, I am deeply grateful for the privilege of having Adam in my life—a life so beautifully lived and a friendship that profoundly shaped the person I am today. Adam, you were truly one of a kind, and I will carry your spirit and the memories we shared with me always.
Rest easy, my brother. Until we meet again.