Former New Bedford City Councilor George Smith Passes Away

NEW BEDFORD (WBSM) — Former New Bedford Ward 3 City Councilor George Smith has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of service that went well beyond his time as a councilor.

Smith was diagnosed with ALS in March of 2021, but didn’t let them hold him back from continuing to work and advocate for the citizens of New Bedford while serving on the board for Coastline Elderly Services, the Council on Aging and the Commission for Citizens with Disabilities.

"Instead of just sitting at home complaining, everybody should volunteer," he told WBSM in 2022. "When you see people helping people – I don't get emotional about what I'm going through, and I don't mean to get choked up here, but volunteering is something that matters. A lot."

"I had a full and great life. No remorse, whatsoever,” Smith said.

“I’m saddened by news of George Smith’s passing. He ably committed much of his life to public service: as a city councilor, union leader, and member of various city boards, among other roles,” New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell said. “George was widely respected for his open mindedness, sense of fairness, and candor. My condolences go out to his family and everyone whose lives he touched.”

According to the New Bedford City Council Office, Smith served as councilor from 1994 to 2000, and was the council president in 2000.

New Bedford City Councilor at Large Brian Gomes served on the council with Smith and remembered him as “a gentle giant.”

“I was deeply saddened to find out early this morning of the passing of former City Councilor George Smith. He is one of the finest city councilors I've ever had the opportunity to work with,” Gomes said. “His commitment, dedication, and caring for the community at large was overwhelming. His ability to work with every councilor no matter where we stood on the issue.”

“Councilor Smith was a gentle giant with a heart of gold. He will be deeply missed, not only by his family but the City commission on disabilities which he chaired and continued to work on,” Gomes said. “A gentle giant has been lost.”

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Councilor at Large Ian Abreu said he had recently spent time with Smith, having coffee frappes.

“I am completely saddened to have just learned about the passing of my dear friend and former Ward 3 Councilor, George Smith. George was one of the good ones, with compassion for the likes of which you don’t see all too often,” Abreu said. “Bed-ridden with ALS, he did not wallow in self-pity, but rather wanted to always discuss city issues which affected the people of whom he loved dearly, the New Bedford resident.”

“Our city has become a better place because of Councilor Smith. His legacy is and will always remain unmatched,” Abreu said.

Current Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver said he too had the opportunity to spend time with Smith and learn from him.

“My deepest condolences go out to the Smith family. I was saddened to learn of the passing of former Councilor George Smith,” current Ward 3 Councilor Shawn Oliver said. “I’m glad I got to know him and even sit with him on a few occasions to discuss all things New Bedford. I wish I had gotten to know him sooner or had more time to get to build our friendship because he truly was a good man dedicated to his family, friends and the city of New Bedford. He will surely be missed.”

In 2020, Smith was presented with the AARP Massachusetts Andrus Award for Community Service, described by AARP as “the Association’s most prestigious and visible state volunteer award for community service.

“His efforts have greatly benefited his community, supported AARP’s vision and mission, and inspired other volunteers,” the organization said. “Known for his incredible energy and warm personality, this life‐long resident of New Bedford has made a tremendous difference in the lives of New Bedford’s citizens, the elderly and the disabled, by setting a sterling example of what retirement can look like by devoting his time and energy to volunteering in the community.”