Rory Patrick Smith, age 36, of Munson Township, passed away on September 30, 2021, after a courageous four-year battle with acute myeloid leukemia. He was born in Waterville, Maine on August 30, 1985.  He graduated from Chardon High School in 2004.  A carpenter for many years, he was employed at Smithco Builders.  Rory was also a skilled luthier, a builder of stringed instruments.  He studied guitar building under master builder Bryan Galloup.

Everybody loved Rory, he was so easy to love.  He was calm and peaceful.  His friends refer to him as a legend and a Celtic warrior, but to us he was our bubby, our Rory.  If you knew Rory, you knew he was effortlessly talented at anything he tried.  He had a big heart, a magnetic personality and gave the best hugs.  He was the center of attention in any room, even though he didn’t want to be.  He loved his family fiercely and lived for music and guitars.  He had a hundred best friends but made each one feel like they were the only one.  He was one of a kind and loved his friends like brothers.

During his life Rory struggled with the demons of addiction but his angels were always stronger.  These struggles made Rory the man he was: compassionate, accepting, open, empathetic, generous, kind and strong.  Because of that part of his life, even though it was painful, his family grew in the same strengths.

Rory is survived by his parents, Dennis and Kay (Fagan) Smith, sister Tara (Jason) Carlson, his beloved nephew Henry and niece Laina, the love of his life Catherine Lux, little buddy Jameson and puppy Patsy.  He leaves behind aunts and uncles, Donna (Dave) Zuro, Daniel (Ellen) Smith, Deanna (Ken) Baker, William (Sha) Fagan, Judy Fagan, Rebecca Smith and Mary Jo Smith.  He also leaves numerous cousins and extended family and many dear, devoted friends who adored him, especially Jon, Scott, Jimmy and Greg.

He is preceded in death by older brother Devin, grandparents Donald and Edna (Jackson) Smith and James and Olive Mae (Russell) Fagan, and uncles Allen Smith and Jeff Fagan.

His family would like to thank the anonymous donor who selflessly donated his bone marrow to Rory in 2017 and gave him four more years of life and his family four more years of memories and love. We hope to meet him one day and thank him personally.

Rory wanted part of his ashes shot into space, which will be done at a later date to meet his wishes.  “In one of the stars I shall be living.  In one of them I shall be laughing.  And so it will be as if all the stars were laughing, when you look at the sky at night.  And when your sorrow is comforted (time soothes all sorrow) you will be content that you have known me.  You will always be my friend…I shall not leave you.”

Rory knew Jesus protected him all of these years.  We know that Rory is at peace.  The world is different, not because he died but because he lived.  We love you, Rory. Dearly.  And we will miss you endlessly.

A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021 at 5:00 pm. at the Chardon United Methodist Church, Hayden Hall, 515 North Street Chardon, Ohio 44024.

Donations in Rory’s name can be sent to BeTheMatch.com or RedTulipProject.com.

Arrangements made by the Burr Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Chardon, Ohio.

Information and condolences on-line at www.burrservice.com.