David Lawrence Smythe was born August 10, 1927 in Summit, New Jersey.  David passed peacefully at his Stuart home on May 14, 2022 at the age of 94. Mr. Smythe had an insatiable lust for life and lived it to its fullest, always living by his philosophy of maintaining a sense of humor and having "fun, fun, fun".

David L Smythe grew up in Summit, New Jersey, and worked there throughout his entire career. Always industrious, David left his family home with his parent's blessing, to live and work as a bellboy at the prestigious Hotel Suburban in Summit. David left school in 11th grade at age 17 to enlist in the US Navy where he served in the Pacific. Many years later, David would receive an honorary high school diploma from the US government, something he was very proud of. Following the Navy, David worked alongside his father as a tile contractor before taking a job sweeping floors at an automobile dealer; a job that set him on his path to becoming one of Volvo's premier dealers in the United States.

In the 1980s, Mr. Smythe relocated to Martin County, a place he referred to as paradise. David would often say he "had a dream for Martin County" and was a champion for area children's charities. An avid philanthropist, David would often speak about the joys of giving and would encourage others to follow in his generous footsteps at every opportunity. He believed that those fortunate enough to help others should do so while they were alive so that they can witness the impact of their gifts.

Mr. Smythe's contributions changed the landscape of Martin County, providing tremendous gifts to charities including Martin County Healthy Start, Children's Museum of the Treasure Coast, The 4 Cs, Hibiscus Children's Center, House of Hope, Cleveland Clinic Martin Health Foundation, Kane Center, Molly's House, Treasure Coast Hospice, Tykes and Teens, and Volunteers in Medicine, just to name a few. His legacy looms large throughout the county. The David L. Smythe Wound Center, The David L. Smythe Center for Children, and The David L. Smythe Children's Theatre at StarStruck Performing Arts Center all bear his name.

David was a friend to all. Despite his success, he remained a simple, grounded man with a smile and a kind word for everyone. He would always emphasize the importance of treating everyone with kindness and respect. He would often say "it's the people, not the brick and mortar, that are the most important part of any business". David had a code for how he conducted his life which he learned from his father. Memorialized in a letter from his dad written in 1975, his father wrote of David, "Always determined. Honest, generous, and kind to everyone. Always thinking of others. Always ready to talk. Quick decisions. A born leader. He is one person that leaves a lasting impression on everyone."
David loved adventure and travel. He traveled to many countries, met countless notable personalities, and even flew on the Concord twice. He was also a wildly entertaining fellow. Always armed with his harmonica, a toy lizard, or a card trick, he was known to entertain any willing participant that happened by. David was a relentless flirt, a formidable pool player, and a mean BlackJack player. Never shy to get on a microphone, David loved an audience and wrote in his autobiography that at one time he seriously considered becoming a comedian. On stage and off, David was always the life of the party.

Mr. Smythe is survived by his daughter Karen of Carlsbad, California and his two granddaughters Julia and Veronica Turner of Los Angeles, California; son Thomas of Jensen Beach, Florida, daughter-in-law Fran Smythe, granddaughter Jessica Depasquale of Manahawkin, N.J. and her two children, Thomas James and Brice; grandson Michael Smythe of Satellite Beach Fl. and his daughter Tyla;  grandson Justin Smythe of Somerset NJ; granddaughter Molly Tracy and her children Julie, Jack, and Reese of Charlotte SC.

David was preceded in death by his wife Marianne, his son David Jr. and his son Jimmy.