By Emily Baer
Yesterday, the man who considered the corner of West 80th Street and Broadway his home, Eric Glenn Smith, was laid to rest. His funeral service took place at Owens Funeral Home Chapel in Harlem, and he has been laid to rest at Mount Prospect Cemetery in Neptune, New Jersey.
To most Upper West Siders, Eric Smith was the nameless homeless man who lived on Broadway between 79th and 80th Street for at least 25 years. For those whose lives he did touch, he is remembered as a kind and gentle man who would open doors for people at H&H Bagels and watch over “his block”. (The photo at right was taken around when H&H closed.)
It was at the behest of a minister, a police officer, a producer and a designer that Eric, who they all felt was not “just another man,” was buried with dignity and love. He died on August 1.
As one reader pointed out: “I’m certain his life wasn’t a picnic; you don’t end up dying in the doorway of a shop on Broadway overnight if you’ve lived a charmed and easy life, but despite his hardships apparently he was appreciated as evidenced by the small sidewalk memorial set up in his honor by local merchants whose stores he sat in front of every day.”
It was a beautiful and moving service, where members of the community spoke about the connection they had with Eric. Joseph Fusco, a long time resident of the Upper West Side, remembers Eric being in his “spot” when he was in high school, nearly 25 years ago. He felt that even though Eric was a man of obscurity, he was a consistent part of an ever-changing neighborhood.
David Rapkin, one of the organizers of the funeral, remarked he always looked forward to seeing him everyday and feels now that Eric is no longer at his spot, the block feels diminished. Among many he was considered the”Mayor of the Block”.
A touching tribute to Eric came from police officer Vanessa Wanderlingh, a homeless out reach officer from he 20th Precinct. She said she would check on Eric everyday and they would discuss life and that they had a special bond. Officer Wanderleigh was with Eric when he passed this summer.
I live about a block from this corner and saw Mr. Smith for over 20 years. I commend the Samaritans who saw to it that he left this world with dignity. It saddens me that he passed in the doorway of a building. I recall my sister, who is a physician, saying that the average life expectancy for a homeless person was to die within 5 years of beginning life on the street. By that measure Mr. Smith beat the odds that were so stacked against him. I wish him eternal rest and peace that might have eluded him in his earthly life.
Very well said.
Thank you.
Ted- he actually passed in the hospital with Officer Wanderlingh present
It is sad about Eric…and I’d like to say a few kind words about Officer Wanderling – I had a small problem with the police regarding a traffic ticket (which I was disputing) and she gave me some advice that served me well.
Now…about that other homeless, but nevertheless interesting gentleman who dresses in total rags plus but can turm 50 pushups as fast as you can count ’em). ???
This is so sad. I remember him holding open the door at Zabars cafe. He was a humble and humbling presence. May he rest in peace.
Having served for 25 years on the 20th Precinct Community Council I want to commend Officer Wanderling. I have never met someone who is so caring for the homeless in the precinct. She is a beautiful person who really makes a difference. I live 1 block away & watched her in action. Mr. Smith- rest in peace. People cared.
This article of Mr. Eric Glenn Smith’s passing is truly touching. Living in the last days, it is so comforting to know that
people still care about their fellow man.
Mr. Smith was homeless, be that as it may, he was a human being.
I extend my sympathy to Officer Wanderlingh
and all other who had compassion for him and
his estranged family also. May God continue to bestow His blessings upon you all!
i hate to be the guy who says this but i remember this guy being a bit of an annoyance – he was always disheveled and muttering things to himself, not someone I wanted to walk past at night.
Its always sad when someone has to endure the darkness and struggle of living on the street. But I can’t say he will be missed.
No, Tony, you DON’T “hate to be the guy who says this.” No one held a gun to your head.
Be grateful to The Universe that YOU’RE not disheveled and muttering to yourself, living homeless in the doorways of Broadway stores.
Find a heart. Or, at least, the next time you hate to say something, DON’T SAY IT.
This was such a nice, thoughtful and respectful write-up about the passing of a neighborhood figure, wether or not he “annoyed” you is so irrelevant its not even funny. I petition that from now on, all obituaries published shall include Tony Alfonse’s opinion of the deceased. How unbelievably tasteless. I’m sure you’re quite the hit at parties!
Wow. You really couldn’t help yourself, could you? Have some fuckin’ shame. The man has passed on and it’s pretty inconsiderate of you to chime in with your two cents. This is the sort of attitude I encounter in the neighborhood daily and frankly, I can’t wait to move. Bothered by homeless people? Move to the suburbs.
Sami , other people are entitled to their opinions. This is New York. and contrary to UWS opinion, vagrancy and panhandling does not have to be part of everyone’s urban experience. It certainly does not exist in most other city neighborhoods like it does on the UWS. If this is indeed what you encounter in the neighborhood daily and frankly, can’t wait to move, then by all means, Move to the suburbs.
First of all, webot, your disdain for your fellow man is charming. But my point is that no matter your opinion on the homeless, it is in extremely poor taste to comment on an obituary of sorts simply to say that the individual was “bothersome”. I think you knew what I meant, but you chose to take the opportunity to hop on your pedestal, as you so often do. This attitude is the one I refer to and have yet to encounter in Brooklyn in my boyfriend’s neighborhood, but I appreciate that your New York has no room for even 20 seconds of human compassion! Have a blessed day.
as you can see Beth Sami, out of”respect” for the deceased I did not say anything negative about him.
I merely defended my fellow west sider to give his opinion without YOU attacking him.
But you go on your high horse and attack me, if that you makes you feel better, then by all means go ahead.
Sami, nicely said.
“vagrant” and “vagrancy” are interesting terms… they are generally regarded as derogatory and have usually been replaced by “homeless” in modern usage.
homelessness exists in almost every populated area of NYC. we simply have too much of it. We have to address the issue. More supportive housing (Including addressing mental health issues) is a good place start.
it is so good to see so many people commenting who are aware of this issue and don’t have a knee-jerk “the homeless are criminals” perspective.
Tony:
During the service, it was mentioned that at times he could be an annoyance to some (just like we can all be annoying at times) but for others he wasn’t.
Sometimes the West Side of Manhattan can be a grace-filled place, and lets its light shine through the darkness.
Thank you to those who gave some light to this man’s last journey.
Thank you for this kind story. I didn’t know him but I’m wondering, does anyone know where Mr. Smith grew up? He was roughly the age where he may have served in the military in Vietnam. Anyone know? And rest in peace, Eric.
I hope he had a smooth transition to a likely better place…it’s possible that whatever he was ‘muttering’ might make a difference in someone’s life if they chose to listen….it’s ok to not listen….free will and to each their own….
What a beautiful story…thanks
Many “props” to Emily Baer (the writer) and Eric’s many friends who organized this. Too often on this site, the homeless are dehumanized and treated simply as either a “bother” or a “threat” and not as our neighbors.
as a life long upper west Sider I too remember eric
The shame is that nyc has enough available vacant and foreclosed housing to give homes to all
Housing is a human right !
Being of a certain age myself, I have taken to a pretty steady examination of death and less of life – not morbid, just curious. Now, these things worth observing seem to find me. This story shows how the passing of anyone should be conducted. I am especially proud of New York City where I lived for most of my life. There is a depth to its citizens which is always recognizable to other New Yorkers, but which I’ve not had much luck finding on display in other places. (“Display” is key; I’m sure it exists).
I will use this to put to rest my sadnesses about the lives (and yes, deaths) of the many homeless people I saw and tried to help over the years. RIP Mr. Smith.
A little more on Officer Wanerderlingh. this is true “community policing.”
https://nypost.com/2012/12/03/cops-job-is-the-homeless/
Nice gesture — now that he is dead. How many of the contributors to his funeral were there to support him when he was alive?
The fact that a homeless man chose to stay in the same spot for 25 years strongly suggests that he received support from locals. But nice job assuming otherwise and denigrating residents for no good reason!
A question is not a denigration. Just wondering how many people who threw money at Mr. Smith’s funeral so that he could leave this world with dignity took any steps to help him live with dignity. Just curious is all . . . .
There but for the grace of God go I. I am deeply touched by this post. It is with reverence that I shall remember this gentleman and ladies and gentlemen wearing his shoes. God bless you. Eric.
As the “minister” mentioned in the article – who worked closely with Officer Wanderlingh, Mr. Rapkin (also mentioned) and Barbra Music (not mentioned) – I want to thank everyone for their kind words. This was truly a labor of love for us, as all of us had known Eric for quite some time, and had seen both sides of him. (Yes, he COULD be a nuisance at times, and Officer Wanderlingh actually had to arrest him a couple of times.)
For the record, Eric died as the result of a stroke as he was walking down some subway stairs in Manhattan. He went into an immediate coma, from which he never recovered. Officer Wanderlingh and I both visited him in the hospital, but only Officer Wanderlingh was there when they removed the life support. The medical staff was amazingly professional and kind, and also said that Eric ultimately died peacefully.
In my comments at the funeral, I made a statement that I hope others will consider:
“Eric is one of the lucky ones. We are here both in celebration of his life – as difficult as it was – and in mourning for his death. But most other homeless people do not get this kind of tribute when they pass. They simply disappear into the system, and become a number on a pine box. In Eric’s memory, I believe we should all work toward making that an unacceptable end for ANY homeless person.”
As we move into a season of giving and Thanksgiving, I hope everyone will do at least a little something to make the life of a homeless person just a little bit less harsh – perhaps even joyous. As someone else posted here, “There but for the grace of God go I.” One need not be a believer to understand and appreciate that thought.
Again, thank you for all the kind words. I know that Eric would have appreciated them.
Peace.
Being one of the group of four to help make this burial happen, I can say that those who contributed did so out of their kind hearts, not for a tax write off. Many of these people also helped Eric w/food, money, and friendship. Mr. Owens, of The Owens Funeral Home in Harlem, brought one to tears with his generosity. Tony, beware of your arrogance, as life can deal some cruel surprises, and no one is immune to this. Eric was once married w/two daughters & taught math. Turn off FOX News & you’ll hear daily stories about people countrywide losing everything & presently living in the family car. Not sure about you, but being somewhat sane, I know I’d be muttering out loud after one night on the streets! There was a time when the UWS was much more of a caring community, and the fundraising we did drew these people out. One man who called to contribute money, mentioned he used to see Eric sharing his food w/birds. Tony, unfortunately, your attitude is toxic and I’d love to have you leave NYC, along with your lack of compassion. I’ll get on line to help you pack……
What’s missing from this bittersweet story is the uptown teens that would harass and throw things at him while he was on the church steps. It’s ironic.
He suffered on the streets when he was alive, hopefully he has eternal peace.
Good work Alterman and PO Wanderling human kindness.
I am so sad right now after so many years of looking for my father I goes on Google to find out my dad is deceased I would like to thank the officer who stood by him during his last days of life thank u Vanessa Wanderlingh and to all the people who raised up the money to burry him.
That is my grandfather swear to god that my grandfather just found out he was dead every touching