Capt. Gregory Granville Smith, 36, of Portland, passed away on Aug. 24, 2025. He was born in Portland on Dec. 5, 1988, the son of Mark Smith and Joan Abbott, a brother to Meaghan Catherine Smith, and the loving partner of Sydney Richard. He is also survived by his stepmother, Amy Clements; step-siblings James MacKinnon, Katherine Rehnert and her husband Scott Rehnert; as well as his three nieces, Ellie MacKinnon, Reese and Blair Rehnert.

Greg was predeceased by his paternal grandparents Mary Louise Smith and Capt. Granville Isaac Smith. On his maternal side he was predeceased by his grandmother, Marjorie Joyce Abbott.

Gregory grew up in North Yarmouth. He attended Cheverus High School, where he excelled both academically and athletically. Throughout his high school years, Gregory gave his all to the sport of competitive ski racing. He was a champion racer, winning state titles in giant slalom in 2007. While at Cheverus, he developed lifelong friendships that continued into adulthood.

Throughout his high school career, Gregory had one college in mind: Maine Maritime Academy. His goal was to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, Capt. Granville Isaac Smith, and become a sea captain. Not only did he fulfill this dream, he succeeded academically while also proving himself a strong leader among his peers. Through hard work and dedication he rose to the role of Charlie Company Commander, served as captain of the MMA soccer team his senior year, and coached youth soccer in Castine. During his time at MMA, Gregory also joined the Naval Reserves and served as an officer for six years. Upon graduation, he ranked among the top of his class and received the prestigious Commandant’s Award, presented each year to one student for outstanding leadership and performance. He brought honor to the Smith name. The friendships he made at Maine Maritime were not just friendships—they became lifelong brotherhoods. To them, he will always be “Smitty.”

Gregory had a deep love for the sea. His career after college began with Hornbeck Offshore Drilling, followed by Exxon and Crowley. He spent many months each year at sea, the place that always called him home. In 2025, his years of dedication came full circle when he became a full-time pilot for the Penobscot Bay Pilots, once again following in the footsteps of his grandfather.

He had deep bonds with the people closest to him. He was the godfather to Beckham Martel, the son of his best friend Aaron Martel and Aaron’s wife, Kaylee. Even while at sea, Gregory would FaceTime Beckham every night. He dreamed of having a family and children of his own, and he and his partner Sydney recently welcomed a black lab puppy into their home named Tuna. Tuna quickly became his best friend, and Gregory loved him dearly. Since being home full-time, he cherished many special moments with his friends and family—from celebrating his sister’s wedding, to spending time on the water with his friends and father. He also developed a new love for cooking, which he shared with his mother, Joan, and with Sydney, preparing dinners together at his home on Back Cove.

The loss of Gregory is profound and felt deeply throughout the Maine community. He was a lover of the sea, the mountains, his friends, his family, his partner, and his dog. His absence will be felt for years to come, and his legacy will never be forgotten.

Capt. Smith, may you have fair winds and following seas.

Visiting hours will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 5, at Jones, Rich & Barnes Funeral Home, 199 Woodford St., Portland, ME 04103. A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 6, at The Episcopal Church of Saint Mary, 43 Foreside Rd., Falmouth, ME 04105.

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