Michael A. Smith

Michael Austin Smith, 86, passed away on March 12th, 2022.

He was born on February 28th, 1936, to Orange W. Smith and Genevieve (O'Malley) Smith, in Rockford, IL. Michael graduated from St. Thomas High School in 1954. He graduated from Northern Illinois University with honors with a Bachelor's Degree, double-majoring in Chemistry and Mathematics. Michael attended the University of Michigan for graduate school and obtained his Master's Degree from Rockford College. He served in the U.S. Army Reserves. Michael began his long teaching career at Thomas Jefferson Middle School. He taught at West High School for 27 years until it closed in 1989. He also taught at Guilford High School, Rockford College, Rock Valley College, I.Q.R.A., and Huntington Learning Center. Upon retirement, Michael enjoyed a second career driving cars at the Greater Rockford Auto Auction. He was a long-time member of St. James Church in Rockford, where he served as a lector, taught Sunday school, and was a member of the St. Vincent de Paul Society. Michael married the love of his life, Judith Ann Simpson, on June 18th, 1966. He loved the Green Bay Packers, Chicago White Sox, Fox News, Irish music, the Republican Party, playing his guitars and banjo, and writing editorials to the Rockford Register Star. More than anything, he loved spending time with his family.

Michael is survived by his loving wife Judith A.; daughter Cynthia (Jeffrey) Kindgren; son Ryan (Sarah) Smith; grandchildren Athena Kindgren, Nolan Smith, Mallory Smith; sister Louise M. Affeld and many special in-laws, cousins, nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his parents, son Daniel A. Smith and brothers Thomas W. Smith and Stephen R. Smith.

Memorial visitation will be Friday, March 18, 2022 from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory, 1860 S. Mulford Rd. Rockford, IL 61108. Celebration of the Mass of Christian Burial will be Saturday, March 19, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 428 N 2nd St. Rockford, IL 61107. Burial will conclude in St. Mary/St. James Catholic Cemetery, Rockford, IL.

In lieu of flowers, memorials made in Michael Austin Smith’s name are to be made to St. James Conference of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, 428 N. 2nd St. Rockford, IL 61107.

Arrangements entrusted to Fitzgerald Funeral Home & Crematory. Share online memories and condolences at www.fitzgeraldfh.com