PORTLAND — Joshua Smith was remembered by his family and friends Tuesday as a funny, generous and intelligent young man who loved music and writing and had a promising future.

Smith enrolled in Southern Maine Community College last year. He had planned to start taking classes in January.

On Jan. 4, Smith’s life came to a standstill when his father, Thomas Smith, 47, died unexpectedly at his home in Biddeford.

In the weeks since, Joshua Smith struggled to accept his father’s death. He took his own life Sunday. He was 22.

When Joshua Smith was found, he was carrying a prayer card from his father’s memorial service in the pocket of his jeans.

“Tommy was Josh’s touchstone,” said Rosalie Melendez of South Portland, a close family friend. “When Josh was struggling, he truly looked to Tommy for that direction and strength. Tommy did that for him. Josh wanted to be with his dad. He was in enough pain that he couldn’t see through his grief. I don’t think anyone thought he would take his life.”

Joshua Smith’s stepmother, Marie Curtis of Portland, said his father inspired him and encouraged him to do his best. Curtis said Joshua Smith wanted to be a writer and had a passion for music. He received his GED diploma from Portland High School in 2008.

“He was very funny and loyal. He was probably the most intelligent kid I know,” she said. “It hurts that he’s gone. We always had some kind of contact and connection. I just can’t even believe that he did that.”

Joshua Smith’s Facebook wall was loaded with messages from family and friends.

His sister Kelly Giusti commented on a profile picture of him taken last summer at Willard Beach in South Portland.

“My life will never be the same without u here,” Giusti wrote. “I miss u so much already what I would do for one more day with u! U r with Tommy now where u wanted to be!”

Another sister, Jessica Cail, who took the picture of him that day on the beach, also posted a comment. “I love you Josh and miss you sooo much!! RIP buddy,” she wrote.

He is survived by his mother, Patricia Smith. He also leaves a brother, 6-year-old “Little Tommy” Smith. The family said they reached out to the Center for Grieving Children to help Little Tommy cope with the deaths of his father and brother.

“Little Tommy lost his dad, and now he’s lost his brother. How devastating is that?” said David Melendez, a close family friend, who offered a message to those who may be suffering or contemplating suicide. “There is help out there. There are resources. Sometimes, it’s hard to come by and it’s a lot of work, but I think a life is worth that.”

Staff Writer Melanie Creamer can be contacted at 791-6361 or at: mcreamer@pressherald.com

 

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