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Smith “Smitty” Lespinasse was born on October 21, 1949, in Ouanaminthe, Haiti, to his parents, Christian and Antonia Lespinasse. He was the third of seven children. At the age of 21, Smitty migrated to the United States and settled in Brooklyn, New York, where he lived for many years.

Smith was previously married to Gertha Lespinasse, and from that union came three children: Marlyne, Roody, and Jennifer Lespinasse. The couple later separated, but they shared the lasting gift of family through their children.

In 1985, Smitty met Marie Helene Pierre, and the two were married the following year. They remained devoted to one another for 40 years until his passing. Their union produced one son, Stephan. Smith and Marie Helene moved to Elmont, New York, where he spent the remainder of his life.

From an early age, Smitty had a deep love for music. After studying music, he went on to build a long and meaningful career as a musician, serving in various churches throughout Brooklyn. He also taught music and was known for his patience and kindness as a teacher. As a young man, he played for several churches, including St. Boniface in Elmont, New York. His professional music ministry included 30 faithful years of service at his beloved El Shaddai Haitian Baptist Church in Brooklyn, as well as 10 years serving the French-Speaking Baptist Church of Manhattan. In 1985, Smith also began working as a mail clerk for Bear Stearns in Manhattan, New York, where he dedicated 17 years of service.

Smitty was known for his quiet disposition, gentle spirit, sense of humor, and lighthearted presence. He loved spending time with his family, laughing, and talking about politics and music. He found great joy in playing music for the church and loved being with his wife, with whom he was often inseparable. His family loved him dearly, and he was always there to offer kindness and a loving smile. His life was rich with family, friends, and cherished memories. Through family gatherings, celebrations, and even times of loss, one thing was always certain: Smitty was present. Though he was a man of few words, his presence filled every room. He was a man dedicated to serving through music, using his gifts faithfully in the church. Above all, he was a man deeply loved by his family.

Smith departed this life on Tuesday, April 14, 2026. He leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife, Marie Helene; his son, Stephan, and daughter-in-law, Vanessa, along with their three beautiful children, Valentina, Shai, and Vaughn, and one on the way. He also leaves behind his daughter, Marlyne Ebanks, and her three beautiful children, Jemmel, Joshuah, and Janayah Ebanks; his son, Roody, and his wife, Sylvie, along with their beautiful blended family: Junior, Jovante, Carlyne, and Jada; and his daughter, Jennifer, and her three beautiful sons, Isaac, Isaiah, and Daniel Ebanks.

Smitty also leaves behind his loving siblings, Marie Rhode, Lilliane, Evelyn, Wilfred, and Mirielle, along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family, and dear friends who will forever hold loving memories of him in their hearts.

He was truly loved and will be deeply missed. We find peace in knowing that he is in good company with those we have lost before him, and that they are all looking down on us with love.