Rest in peace , you are missed and loved 

Steve P

I can’t believe I’m writing this. I just found out today. I remember when we met at CK’s in Ahwatukee. I was with my cousin Bobby, we were all drinking at the bar and at first it looked like we might get into a fight. New Yorkers and drinking can be dangerous sometimes but then we all realized we were from NY and ended up becoming good friends. Now you’re both gone in less than a year apart. I know we lost touch when I moved to San Diego and last we spoke was when I refinanced my house in Cali, but you we’re always a good friend. Rest In Peace my friend. 

I remember when you called me to hire me early on in at in-line. I don’t know what it was about you but you had one of the most infectious personalities I have ever came across. It’s crazy that being 20 years apart and coming from complete different sides of the country how much we had in common. I remember we would talk about our childhoods and how weirdly similar they were, how our moms were so much alike and how you and I made it through so much similar things as kids and young adults. I will always miss your late night calls and texts, how you always checked in with me to just make sure I was doing okay. You always had my back no matter what and were the most stand up guy I have ever met. You just recently talked me through a very hard time and was there for me when I needed you like you always have been. You have always told me what I needed to hear even if it wasn’t always what I wanted to hear. I wish we could be at the gym one more time, or have one more text or phone call. You will always be a mentor to me. I just wish I had the chance to tell you how important you were to me and how much I truly looked up to you Papi. Rest easy my friend. I’ll see you soon

I am so sorry to Lexx. He always talked so highly of you. I met Rob when I receive one of those too good to be true advertisements in the mail. He wanted to do everything over the phone but I was on to his scam lol. My husband Dirk and I went in to his office and knew he was the real deal. Not only did he remind me of my growing up on the east coast but it was obvious he knew what he was doing with his business.  We have refinanced through him 3 times. He would call and let us know we could save some money and the process was always simple. I will miss him even though it was only every few years we spoke. Thank you to everyone in his business that helped us. He will be remembered always. Lexx....you have one hell of an angel!

Rest In Peace my friend you will greatly be missed.  You and your daughter will always be in my thoughts and prayers…… Rocco 

I met Rob on Central Ave many years ago , we connected !!  Some of our best memories was at his Grandma’s  house watching  game shows - he loved game shows and was so serious when hearing the answers.  Playing board games he loved monopoly - again so serious about following the rules . I would laugh when I messed up , he used  to turn red - The rules Annie :smiling:
There are too many memories to write - he was a ray of sunshine when he entered the room and made me feel  so special . 
Rest In Peace 


Rob.
My eyes fill with tears and a heavy heart.  Your laugh would make anyone smile.  Thank you for the memories.
I will watch the Bronx Tale thinking of you….because you made me watch it at least a dozen times.
May you rest peacefully.
Tracey 

Rob where do I start.  I don't even have the words to adequately express the grief I feel knowing I'll never see your face again or hear your voice with one of your silly pranks, telling me a borrower complained because I cussed them out and hung up on them. You got me a couple of times but your laugh would quickly give you away. You would always tell me how you appreciated me for taking a chance on you when the company was nothing but you did the same for me.  You took a chance and hired me unknown as your assistant and as you always said, we made a great team.  I wish we could have just one more late night conversation. There are so many things I want to say. Thank you for being the best boss but more than that, thank you for being a friend, a mentor and most of all family. You used to always tell me you loved me like a sister and the feeling was mutual.  I'll never forget you.  I'm sending so much love to your beautiful daughter. I know how very much you loved her and what she meant to you. Rest in peace Rob.  I pray more than anything that you have found peace. 

I only got to know Rob these past two years through my friendship with Lexxy, but I think I can recount every time I saw him because he made everything funny and memorable. One of the first memories to come to my mind is at Lexxy's birthday dinner last year. Most teens would not want their parent joining in on their birthday dinner with friends, but Rob was the cool dad and he had us all laughing the whole time. He told us the craziest stories of him in New York and his catholic school days. 
He was always so generous. I remember being over at their house hanging out with Lexxy and our other friend, Rob asked us if we wanted anything to eat and even though our other friend and I said "no", he still ordered us some fancy steak and seafood to eat. That was such a kind gesture that I will always remember. May he Rest In Peace.

Rob's daughter, Lexxy, has been my best friend for the past two years and she truly came into my life when I felt I had no friends. To that I owe her everything and I promise to be there for her, she is my family, my sister. 

I can’t believe I’m writing on Rob Smiths obituary. :( My heart aches thinking he is no longer in this world. Rob and I were introduced by my first love which was his best friend in high school.  Rob and I became very close friends and pretty quickly too. We were together all the time.  The one thing I remember the most actually is the relationship he had with my mother. It was a very special relationship. She treated him like a son, so much so she even drove him to take his driver’s license test something Rob told me he’d never forget. He loved my mom very much as she loved him too. He told me, not too long ago, how much he appreciated her and would never forget how much she did for him growing up.  I have some peace in my heart  knowing she’s spoiling him again in heaven. I still can’t believe he’s gone. I am heartbroken that he left this world and my heart aches for his daughter especially. I will pray for her always. Rob once told me that she was his “life” word for word his “life”. He is her powerful angel now watching over her forever. Until we meet again Rob… rest peacefully my friend. Love you. 🙏❤️‍🩹🙏


A good man and friend, I’ll miss you my boy.

Robert you leave with me each and every shared moment, soft touch,and reassuring words.

I feel your soul close to mine and as I feel a gust of wind I know that this is a sign that you are still with me.

You have gone far too soon but I think of you day and night and each moment. I look at the sky and the stars and wonder if you are looking at me and if you are missing me as much as I miss you. 
I love you infinitely.

I worked with and for Rob for the last 9 years. He was a great friend and the Godfather to my oldest daughter. Rob always had crazy stories and made people laugh. He was always there for anyone who needed him and will be dearly  missed. 

I met Rob in the Fall of 1989 at an Iona Prep dance. He was one of my first puppy loves. My favorite memory with him was skiing. We were terrible!  We had to take the skis off and walk down the mountain because we could not even stand up. That was after we tried his idea of making the skis into a sled and sitting on them. It did not work!I later met my husband, Tom Messina,  through the same crowd and ironically Rob was with us on our first date in 1990.  My husband Tom's favorite memory with Rob was when he traveled with him during a school break to visit his family in Puerto Rico. Rob will always be a special part of our memories of the high school days and we send our deepest condolences to his family, especially his beautiful daughter. May he rest in peace. 
With Sympathy, Karin and Tom Messina

Love spending time with you.  Always had a huge smile on your face. We talked about life and of course our New York Yankees. We had some great times together. Love you brother. 

Smitty Boy! So many great memories I can't even count.

Met u when u 1st came to AZ in 1999.

Loved you, then avoided you lol.

You definitely took over a room/party.

You used to get the pool party going at Jefferson Compton (smitty the lifeguard)

When we went to Peuerto Rico in 2011, and you were playing 3 hands of Black Jack at once "double down Falvey, split em"😛.

Miss you soooooo much😪

Rob and I have known each other since we were 13. He was the cutest boy with biggest smile. We had a long relationship and he was a huge part of my life. He will be beyond missed. The world lost a very special person. Prayers and love to his beautiful daughter, family and friends. RIP …143

20 years ago I met my husband Jesse - most of you know they were the closest thing to a brother. On that very same day, I also met Robbie, who became a very, very dear friend over the years. From our ASU days, to being a groomsman at our wedding, to the birth of all three of our kids, holidays, events and fun days; papi had been there and each and every time he always brightened the room. His stories, his jokes, his unforgettable laugh, his energy and just overall vibe  was all contagious to those around him.  I can’t imagine a world without him. So many amazing memories - there’s not one that doesn’t make me laugh. He was that type of guy. One of a kind and hilarious! 

“Bing, bing, take it ease” papi. You have no idea how much you will be missed. We will love you always and forever. 

Lexx- we love you so much. You were our family then, you are our family now and you will be forever. You were his shining star. Now he’s yours, shining bright in the sky. 

Rest In Peace brother 
Yearbook picture senior year
Iona Prep 1992

A great friend for many years who will be missed. I remember when I first met Rob at Va Benne in Chandler.  I was with a few friends who were from NYC who moved here & he was as well. We were standing close to each other by the bar & he said, " You from NY? (hearing the accent) " I turned & said jokingly , " Forget about it, Brooklyn! " Friends ever since....

 I think about all the long conversations we had about different things.  And a lot of the laughs, sometimes the same ones but still always funny...

I hope he is at ease now & peaceful. I would like to think of him being that way. 

I'm glad I knew him; "Robby Bronx..."




I remember you so much when we were kids. You made our childhood more fun. I am blessed to ha r met you. May you rest in God’s loving arms for eternity ❤️

OBITUARY

Robert Arthur Smith

March 5, 1974 – November 14, 2021

Valley of the Sun Mortuary & Cemetery

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