LaVerne "Vern" L Smith

Vern was born on December 19, 1938 to Sheldon and June (Philo) Smith in Lansing, Michigan. He graduated from Largo High School in 1957. At Largo High he was involved in numerous activities including student council; yearbook staff; newspaper editor; and Drum Major.

As a young adult, Vern was an avid musician, dancer, and water-skier. He transitioned from water to snow and was still skiing the mountains into his 80’s. Following in his father’s footsteps he also collected and restored antique automobiles. Vern was a philanthropist who supported numerous causes most notably the Pulmonary Hypertension Association.

Vern was a State Certified Master Electrician and served as the second generation patriarch of S&S Electric Co., Inc., which was established in 1947. He led the company from a small shop in his parents’ Largo garage to a thriving enterprise that spans the west coast of Florida from Hernando to Collier counties. Active in the industry, he served a term as the President of the Florida West Coast Chapter of the International Electrical Contractors Association.

Vern is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Barbara (Loomis) Smith, and daughter Angela (Smith) Kline. He is survived by his wife Ellen (Mazza) Smith; sister Sharron (Smith) Kilgore; children Christopher Smith (Debbie) and Shawn Smith (Krista); grandchildren Amanda (Smith) Lincoln, Averi (Smith) Whiting, Tyler Kline, Nathan Kline, Austin Smith, Lauren Smith, Owen Paonessa, and Lucie Paonessa; great grandchildren Makayla, Andrew, Damon, Kobe, Theodore, Josephine, Lillian, and Matthew; many nieces and nephews, and by his extended family at S&S Electric.

A celebration of life for Vern will be held at a future date to be determined.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.sylvanabbey.com for the Smith family.