Desmond Smith

(Class of 1970)

Dr. Desmond Ernesto Smith was born in Colon, Panama on April 26, 1952. He immigrated to the US at a young age and his family settled in Brooklyn. He attended Brooklyn Tech where he excelled academically, Columbia University where he received several awards for his academics and finished his medical residency at Columbia Presbyterian College in 1979. At Columbia Desmond was the first African American to letter in football and track and become a physician. Desmond was a gentle giant with a warm, hearty laugh. He started on two undefeated Brooklyn Championship football teams, 1967 and 1969. Desmond played offensive tackle position and along with fellow inductee, Paul Masaracchio, they secured the tackle for Tech for 6 straight years. Desmond not only excelled in football but also was a star on the Tech track team, making All-City in track while leading the team to both indoor and outdoor city championships. As a senior he set the New York City shot-put record which stood for 40 years.

As an adult Desmond found his home in Greenville, South Carolina. He was in private practice for forty years. He was a board-certified Internist, specializing in Hypertension and Preventative Cardiology. In his community, he frequently volunteered his time and expertise as founder of his non-profit, SC Association for Preventative Medical Care. He hosted many health and athletic clinics throughout South Carolina to promote healthy living and provide preemptive health screening. He was a national level speaker for Pfizer, Novartis, Bristol Myers Squibb presenting over 250 paid lectures on heart failure, hypertension, and diabetes. Dr Smith was a pillar in is community. Desmond passed away May 15, 2019. He is survived by Anita (his wife), five sons and five grandchildren.