Martin James Smit

Martin (Marty) James Smit, 81, passed away peacefully on Easter Sunday 4/4/21, at his home in Inverness, FL. He was born on 12/22/39 to Martin Smit and Florence (Sue) (Schutt) of Chicago, IL. He graduated Argo Community High School in Summit, IL.

Marty had a long career as a skilled mechanic, starting with working at his father’s auto repair shop in Summit, IL. He specialized as a forklift mechanic, eventually opening his own shop in Tampa, FL. Known by most as a man who could fix almost anything, Marty was a kind and friendly gentleman.

He enjoyed taking friends and family out on his pontoon boat, cruising across the lakes, fishing, sunbathing, and pulling up to a lakeside restaurant for good food. Later in life he found enjoyment by searching for treasures at yard and garage sales, and then selling them at his eBay store. Marty was a past president of Citrus Eagles #3992 in Inverness, FL for several years, and enjoyed socializing with friends and dancing with his wife on their date nights there. He enjoyed playing solitaire games and the challenge of crossword puzzles. Marty adored Tammy Wynette and he dearly loved his dogs Jack, Bobby, Sweet Pea, and Puppie.

Marty is preceded in death by his parents, brother Gerald J. Smit of Summit, IL, brother-in-law Robert Schoonveld of Chicago Ridge, IL, former wife Mary Ann (Melvan) Smit of Inverness, FL, and step-son John See of Crystal River, FL.

Marty is survived by his current wife of 12 years Elaine Wilbur-Smit, his stepchildren David Johnston, Dianna Bell, Daniel Johnston, Dennis Johnston, Donald Wilbur, Dale Wilbur and Dawn Marie Moreshead, their spouses, and his many step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren in Maine, Massachusetts and Florida.

He is also survived by his sisters Lois Schoonveld of Crystal Ridge, IL, Cynthia Kallemeyn (Mark) of Mokena, IL, Patricia Iwema of Joliet, IL, and their many children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He is survived by his son Martin James Smit of Melbourne, FL, daughter Denise Sue Smit (Carl Lee Wiggs) of St. Charles, IL, son Jerry John Smit (Estelle Altarac) of Queensbury, NY and their daughter Patricia Anne Smit of Troy, NY and their son Jacob Martin Smit at home. Marty is also survived by step-daughter Pamela Ruth See of Chicago, IL, step-daughter-in-law Kay (Renner) See of Crystal River, FL, and her daughters Mary Kay See and Roberta Ann See, both of Chicago, IL.

Per his wishes, he will be cremated at the Neptune Society without a funeral service. Visit www.NeptuneSociety.com to share memories and leave condolences. Celebrations of his life will be arranged by his family. Our world was a better place with him in it and he is sorely missed.