Birth date: Oct 14, 1934 Death date: Mar 12, 2025
Clifford “Torchy” Smith, 90, of Milton, Delaware, passed away peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 12, 2025. Torchy was born in Ridgewood, New York. He is survived by his loving wife of 60 years, Helga; his two sons, Dirk (Susan Read Obituary
Torchy was an amazing person and friend, I got to know him when our wives worked at Lufthansa and the stories he used to tell us when he climbed mountains around the world. When Torchy and Helga moved to Delaware, we came to see them and stayed in touch with Torchy and Helga and their best friends Wally and Richard. We enjoyed talking a lot at Alrona Lufthansa conventions. Our sincere condolences from Magda and Waguih Ouess
Cliff and I met in the 80's while working together at the same company in NYC. We became instance friends. The Coach, as I called him could sit for hours talking about football. As well as boosting about his two sons, who he was so proud of. And of course, Helga his wonderful wife and his travel companion. After he and Helga moved to Delaware, we continued to speak on the phone. Cliff was very good at keeping in touch. After the move, the wife and I made several weekend trips to Delaware. Hit the beach and then out for seafood, so fun! And great memories. The Coach was the type of guy that could always brighten anyone's day. He had a magical personality. And a warm heart. He was a very loyal friend, and someone who served as my big brother. His sound advice always helped me in times of need. Just an around great human being who I will miss so dearly. My heartfelt condolences to the entire Smith family. RIP my old friend.....
Growing up being around the Smith family since I can barely walk was nothing short of memorable. Aside from the sporadic hazardous environment trying to decipher who was the intended target of Tante Helga's wooden flip flop me, Tim, or Dirk...it was most likely Tim, BUT wherever the turmoil was, Uncle Torchy swooped in to defuse the situation. Memories of times I had to get between my own two boys, now grown men, reminded me of seeing Uncle Torchy in action with Dirk and Tim (of course always Dirk's fault), but the discussions about his football days playing and coaching, (getting my butt chewed for always palming the signed football trophy on top of the TV), advice or ideas he gave me when I asked him, and the ability he had to make me laugh 100% of the time if I needed cheering up or just to break up whatever me and Tim were doing... I can go on. Lots of fond memories I'll always have of my Uncle Torchy.
Helga and Torch complemented each other like no other couple I know. May your precious memories bring you comfort. Someone who shared so much life with you will always be a part of you.
Our hearts go out to you Helga and the whole family.
Chris & Bettina mit Family
Liebe Helga und Familie, von Herzen unser tief empfundenes Beileid aus deiner alten Heimat Aalen von Beate und Uli
Like the other parents of our tight-knit group of friends growing up in Deer Park, Mr. Smith played a formative role for us. He was a source of advice, comfort, humor (and a cold beer when we got older). No doubt anyone fortunate to have known him would conclude - “A life well lived.” Peace.
