Deacon Michael T. Smith passed on from this life on Dec. 29, 2025, at the age of 85. Deacon Smith was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jo Ellyn, and survived by three children and three grandchildren.
Deacon Smith was born Oct. 3, 1940, and was ordained to the permanent diaconate on Oct. 16, 1993.
Deacon Smith served his first assignment at Our Lady Gate of Heaven Parish in Detroit from the time of his ordination until 1994, followed by an assignment at St. Hugo of the Hills Parish in Bloomfield Hills until his retirement in 2025. Deacon Smith also spent time in a secondary ministry, beginning in 2003, as an adjunct member of the staff at the St. John Center for Youth and Family.
Deacon Smith's visitation will take place on Friday, Jan. 2, 2026, from 5-8 p.m. at Lynch & Sons Funeral Home, 340 N. Pontiac Trail, Walled Lake, MI 48390, with a Vigil Service taking place at 7 p.m.
Deacon Smith’s funeral Mass will take place on Saturday, Jan. 3, 2026, at 10 a.m., at St. Hugo of the Hills, 2215 Opdyke Road, Bloomfield Hills, MI 48304. In state will begin at 9 a.m.
Obituaries for clergy and religious who have lived or served in the Archdiocese of Detroit may be emailed to [email protected]. Obituaries are printed as they are submitted, but may be edited for grammar and style. Detroit Catholic reserves the right to refuse or edit any submissions.
