Remembering Irv Smith

Springfield has lost a true icon in the recent death of Irv Smith, a lifetime resident of our community who affected so many lives, especially those of young people. I know well that this is true because my four children and I are better people because of the many lessons learned from Irv. He didn’t have things handed to him as a young person: delivering newspapers, getting himself through college, and serving in the military created a work ethic that matched that of anyone I’ve ever known.

His influence on children was first evident when he was principal at Iles School, and throughout life, so many students showed appreciation for the education and assistance they received from Irv there.

His real claim to fame, though, came as a swim coach. He showed each of the many, many kids not just how to swim well, but how to work hard,care about each other, and be successful in life. As swim parents soon learned, practice was not just once in a while or even once a day, but often two or three times a day. Of course, there were different times for different age groups, but he was there for all of them. He would then hire them to work as lifeguards and in the snack bars at the pools so they could learn additional skills.

We, women, were always thankful that Irv had daughters because he was always supportive of women in positions that were often new for women, especially in politics. The trait of Irv that was unusual for anyone in the public eye for so long was the fact that he never held a grudge for anyone who disagreed with him; certainly unusual  for the times.

So, Irv, from so many of us who have benefited from knowing you so long, thanks for all you’ve done for each of us. You will be part of our conversations forever! You deserve a wonderful rest with the God you so loved!

---Karen Hasara---

Irvin Frank Smith entered eternal life on November 24, 2025.

Irv was born on September 22, 1929, in Springfield, IL, to Frank I. and Emelia Marker Smith. The Great Depression arrived shortly after his birth, teaching him to be resilient and brave while facing life’s continuous challenges. This work ethic followed him throughout his long, productive life.

As a lifelong learner, his dream was to graduate from college. He completed Bachelor’s & Master’s degrees in Geology & Geography, a Master’s degree in Educational Administration, and post graduate work from Illinois State University and the University of Wisconsin.

On Christmas break in 1952, Irv married Joan Barbara Reilly at St. Joseph’s Church in Springfield. They relocated to Ft. Monmouth, New Jersey, where he served as a member of the Army’s Signal Corp. during the Korean War. He attended an Honor Flight to Washington D.C. in 2016 and was met by many friends upon his return.

Irv touched many lives. First as a teacher and coach at Harvard Park and Jefferson, then as Principal of Staley and Iles Schools. Many of his students kept in touch with him over the years. When he arrived at Iles in 1962, he noticed the basketball nets had been removed from the playground to discourage children from playing after hours. He immediately put the nets up and organized an intra-city basketball competition among the grade schools in Springfield, which Iles won the first year. The students learned sportsmanship, pride, and enjoyed cheering for their team. Iles had a strong PTA and staff which allowed the students to thrive.

Irv served as Chairman of the Springfield Recreation Commission, became the principal organizer and first President of the Springfield Community Action Agency to combat poverty in Springfield, and was a force behind the beginning of the Head Start Program in Springfield Public Schools. He served as Sangamon County Regional Superintendent of Schools from 1974 – 1980.

Swimming was an important part of Irv’s life. It began with a summer job as Pool Manager and Coach of Illini CC from 1958 – 1966. In 1959, he organized and coached the first YWCA Women’s Swim Team, culminating with the YWCA National Swim Meet held in Springfield at Eisenhower Pool in 1971. In 1972, the YW and YM swim teams merged under Irv’s leadership, and became the SPY Swim Team. From 1967-70, Irv organized and coached Colony West Swim Club and his team won the City Championship Meet in 1970. In 1971, Irv purchased the Olympic Club and a few years later, purchased the North Suburban Aquatic Club (Veteran’s Memorial Pool) for long course training.

Irv went on to coach the Griffin High Swim Team with his friend, Mike Schwartz, and was IHSA District Coach of the Year in 1981 and 1982. He was an active member of the International Swimming Hall of Fame in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, where he took his teams to train during Christmas break. In 1999 he was inducted into the Springfield Sports Hall of Fame as a Friend of Sports. Irv lived by the motto “Every Child A Swimmer”, teaching thousands of children to swim and compete during his lifetime.

Irv was elected to and served as Vice Chairman of the Sangamon County Board, Regional Supt. of Schools (1974-80), the IL House of Representatives (1980-82), and Alderman for the city of Springfield (1987-2007).

In 1983, he became Chairman of the Sangamon County Republican Party, serving until 2005. He became Chairman of the IL County Chairman’s Association and a Delegate to the National Republican Convention six times from 1984-2004. It was extremely important to Irv to welcome people from all walks of life into the Republican Party. Under his leadership, the first female Mayor of Springfield, first female Sangamon County Board Chairman and the first African American female were elected to local office.

The Springfield YMCA was an important part of Irv’s life. At the time of his death, he was the longest consistent Springfield YMCA member. Irv’s Y journey began in 1940 at the YMCA on Seventh Street, where he formed friendships with the “movers and shakers” of the Springfield Community. These relationships began on the handball court, where he was an 11-time city champion. He served as a YMCA Board Member (1966-82) and as Chairman. As an active member of YMCA Membership Roundups, he served as “Big Boss” in 1977, and was also a member and Chairman of the YM Board of Trustees and a Charter member of the Strong Kids Fund. When they closed the YMCA on 4th Street in 2020, Irv was asked to lock the door for the final time. He wrote, “I credit the Y for all I have become in life. Fair play and love of God and man was taught and practiced at the Y.”

Irv Smith had a long, productive and fulfilling life. He selflessly gave of his time and talent, encouraging others to realize their potential – even if they didn’t believe in themselves.

Irvin F. Smith is survived by his son: Irvin F. “Chip” Smith. Daughters: April Elaine Smith and Sharmin Smith Doering. Grandchildren: Charles I. Smith and Ava M. Smith. Son in law: Gary Doering. Brother: John Mark Smith. Nieces: Kathryn (Tony) Spain and Crystal Kalinowski. Nephew: Mark (Kathy) Smith.

Predeceased by his wife, Joan Reilly Smith. Parents: Frank I. and Emelia Marker Smith. In Laws: Walter R. and Edith Johnson Reilly. Sister: Clara L. Bennett. Sisters in law: Florence Nizzio Smith and Mary Alice Smith.

Funeral Mass: 11:00 am, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at St Agnes Church, 245 N Amos Ave, Springfield, IL with Reverend Daniel Bergbower officiating.

Burial will follow at Old Salem Cemetery, where military honors will be conducted.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Springfield YMCA Strong Kids Fund. www.springfieldymca.org., or mailed to YMCA of Springfield Strong Kids Campaign, 5 Lawrence Square, Springfield, IL 62704 in memory of Irv Smith.