Gary Blaine Smith

Gary Blaine Smith, 59, of Pasadena, Maryland passed away Jan. 28, 2024 at Mercy Hospital due to complications from Lung Cancer in the arms of his loving wife Lauren.  

Gary is survived by his beloved wife Lauren and their three children William (Kelsey), Olivia, and Blaine.  His parents William and Judy, brother Chad (Charlene), sisters-in-law Victoria Savaliski and Shelia Savaliski (April), many nieces and nephews and many more dear family and friends.

Gary was born in Baltimore February 19, 1964 to parents William and Judy Smith of Hanover, MD. Gary would eventually marry Lauren (Savaliski) and have 3 wonderful children.

Gary lived his early years in Hanover on his Grandfather Smith’s farm. They would reside there for eight years until his father built a new home and moved the family to Pasadena.  Not long after moving Gary became an older brother when Chad arrived.  In Gary’s younger years, he enjoyed playing in the woods of the farm and fishing in the streams.  This certainly spurred his love for the outdoors, crabbing, fishing, boating and sunsets.

As a child, Gary participated in 4H and proudly championed his prize show pony.  He also loved playing baseball with his parents assisting with coaching.   While a student at Chesapeake High School he wrestled but found his true passion to be lacrosse.  While there he formed many dear friendships that would prove lifelong.   At the young age of 16 Gary went into business for himself when he began a Lawn Care Business.  Due to his work ethic the business flourished.

 At Age 18, Gary joined Twin, Inc., Contracting a family business where he worked with his Dad and Uncle Chris on Government Contract work at NSA.   There he became friends with countless “work acquaintances”. These relationships endured to this day.  Gary was a critical part of the daily operations and would say “we can do it all”, as they all had a broad range of construction knowledge passed down to Gary the next generation.  The days were filled with laughter, shenanigans, and the occasional lighthearted name calling all while still being productive. Anyone who has been around the family for more than a few hours can attest to this. The three of them could be seen chugging down Route 100 in “Big Red” the company truck, with William and Chris (the twins) to his right and left while the diesel fueled truck would leave a trail of smoke in its wake.

 At the young age of 21 Gary was able to purchase his first home on Woods Rd.  on 7 Acres in Pasadena.  This home would prove to be the foundation for setting things in motion for a wonderful life. Gary, his father, Uncle Chris, brother Chad and occasional friends renovated the tiny house and then they added a Garage. 

 In the early 90’s while working for Twin, Gary was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma and would go through a lengthy bout of radiation and chemotherapy treatments. He courageously survived the cancer and would be in remission for many years.  Due to this he had a whole new outlook on life. “Every Day is a Gift” he would say.  After a few years Gary went to work with BGE and ultimately landed at NSA yet again as a Large-Scale Project/Construction Manager. Along the way in the late 90’s Gary met Lauren whom he had known from school age years.  The two of them married and had children together.  Now the large house that Gary built would be a “home” for the newest Smith Family.  Gary would instilled the love he had received when he was a child himself.  He and Lauren passed on their wisdom and instilled values not often found today.  Their children Will, Olivia and Blaine greatly benefitted from this loving and caring household Gary and Lauren created.  Throughout all the kids’ childhood Gary and Lauren would be at every game or event.  And if there were no conflicting schedules between the multiple children both Gary and Lauren would be together.  

 Gary was well known in the community of Pasadena and Arnold.  Despite their busy lives Gary would make time to coach sports.  He and Lauren often participated in fundraisers, community outreach and anything else they could to help organizations.

These years were filled with joy watching the kids grow up, spending time with family, boating on the Magothy River, watching daily sunsets, leisurely strolls along the beach in Ocean City and even getting to see Gary’s Grandmom turn 104!  Most recently Gary and the family were able to experience the joy of William’s wedding to Kelsey, adding another person to the beautiful family.

In between all of life’s busyness Gary and Lauren began the process of relocating to Arnold from their favorite town Pasadena. This was their dream to build a new home on the water. Everything in life was going perfectly, as best as one could ever ask for. The original house they owned for 18 years was demolished and the new one was framed.  The exterior was complete, and the interior was in the process of completion. When Gary would leave work, he would head straight to the house to continue his workday to finish their family home always trying to be sure everything was perfect. This was a family affair. Gary, Lauren, William, Olivia and Blaine would all pitch in to help. Everyone came to help for the family benefit.  Many days there would be “Sunset Cocktails” on the pier or from one of the balconies.  Friends and neighbors would often swing in as well to see the progress and to simply embrace their friendship.

Then after Thanksgiving 2023 things took a turn for the worse and began the saga of where we are today. Gary fortunately would be able to enjoy a belated Christmas and welcome in the 2024 New Year. Gary fought an unbelievable battle to his very last day. His wife Lauren was with him every moment of the way. He was a caring and compassionate person who was dearly loved and admired by all who knew him.   Our memories of him will always include his big contagious smile and we are comforted knowing he will continue to live in our hearts forever.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit at the family owned and operated MCCULLY POLYNIAK & COLLINS FUNERAL HOME, P.A. 3204 Mountain Road PASADENA on Thursday, February 1, 2024, 3:00 to 7:00pm and Friday, February 2, 2024, 3:00 to 6:30 pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday at 6:30 pm.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts can be made in Gary Blaine Smith name in support of the Oncology & Cardiology to the Mercy Medical Health Foundation 301 St. Paul Place, Baltimore, MD 21202 or online at www.mdmercy.com/giving OR Coreshark H20 (Protect and Preserve Maryland's Waterways) - CSH2o.org.