Michael went to the St John's de la Salle Brothers School in Kilkenny, Ireland, where he excelled in athletics. On leaving school, Michael, his father and brother frank were among the founding members of the Kilkenny City Harriers Athletics Club. Success came very quickly to the club when Michael won the All-Ireland Youth's Cross Country Championship. He also won the All-Ireland half-mile Championship, having already won county and provincial (Leinster) titles. He was also a member of the Home Rule club, where he spent many evenings playing snooker and billiards. He was very popular in his father's bar, where he drew in his large circle of friends.
He was in his early twenties when he left for the United States and joined the US Air Force. Throughout his military career he was stationed at RAF Alconbury, England; McGuire AFB, New Jersey; Wiesbaden AFB, Germany; Bergstrom AFB, Texas; RAF Lakenheath, England; Aviano AFB, Italy and Lowry AFB, Colorado. While there he was also a very talented and sought-after soccer player. He married Lorraine Martin on April 8, 2006 and together they shared 12 years of marriage.
He is predeceased by his first wife, Lillemor Sargent and two siblings, Frank Smyth Anne Moran.
He is survived by his wife, Lorraine Martin; three daughters, Anna-Marie McLaughlin, Jennifer Smyth and Kristina Mulvaney; a son, Sean Smyth; seven grandchildren, Sonja, Claudia, Kayden, McKenzie, Avery, Rylan and Eden; a sister, Letitia and a great grandson, Zidane.
In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Michael’s name to the Air Force Association, 1501 Lee Highway, Arlington, VA 22209 or to the VFW www.vfw.org or to Kilkenny City Harriers www.kch.ie.
Partager l'avis de décès
v.1.9.5