University of Massachusetts student and Springfield native Aidan James Smith died last week at age 21.
Smith, a 2016 graduate of Springfield’s Sabis International Charter School, died suddenly at his home on Dec. 8, according to his obituary.
“An intelligent, caring, kind, and earnest young man, Aidan had a passion for music, playing the guitar, bass guitar, and upright bass,” the obituary said.
UMass students were alerted of Smith’s death Wednesday morning in an email from associate vice chancellor David Vaillancourt. Smith was a sophomore at the university studying plant and soil sciences.
In high school, Smith played in Sabis International Charter’s jazz quartet and recorded a CD with the group his senior year, according to his obituary.
“Left behind to honor the memory of this gentle soul is a large extended family both in the U.S. and Scotland,” the obituary said.
A funeral service will be held Friday at 10 a.m. at the Sampson Chapel of the Acres in Springfield, 21 Tinkham Road, according to the obituary.
He is remembered by his parents, Siobhan O’Neil-Smith and Jack Smith of Springfield, and sister, Emma Clare Smith. He was pre-deceased by his maternal grandparents, Owen and Mary O’Neil of Springfield, and his paternal grandparents, Martin and Margaret Smith of Paisley, Scotland.