Pedro Ramon Smith, known affectionately as "Monchi," passed away peacefully on August 25, 2024, at the age of 90 in Valrico, Florida. Born on June 28, 1934, in Gatún, Colón Province, Panama, Monchi lived a life marked by variety and vigor, touching many with his sweet, funny, and sociable spirit.

Monchi set out on his emigration to the United States from Panama in 1957, landing in Chicago Illinois to study at DePaul University. Fluent in both English and Spanish Monchi's career was as diverse as his interests. He worked across different states and sectors, starting as a typesetter in Chicago, then as a city bus driver, and later a clerk on Wall Street. He found a long-term position as a grounds crew supervisor for Trans World Airlines at JFK Airport in New York, from where he eventually retired. Not one to sit still, he returned to work at a local pharmacy chain, where he continued to contribute for many more years.

He was a man of many hobbies, loving nothing more than a game of cards or dominos, a Sunday session at the bowling alley, tending to his yard and landscaping, and dancing and sharing laughs with friends and family. Monchi was a familiar face to his neighbors, often seen catching up, taking walks, or riding his bike. He had a knack for making friends and always had a kind word or a helping hand to offer. He was an avid sports fan, following baseball, football, and other sports as well as bowling in leagues for many years. He loved doing puzzles and crosswords, playing Tetris on his gameboy and occasionally catching up on a juicy telenovela.

Monchi leaves behind a loving family, survived by his children Pepe, Adriana, Ronda, Steven, Joshua, and Tyler. He was preceded in death by his mother, Issa Hayot; father, Elmer Sostenes Smith; and siblings Fulo, Elma, Carlos, and Sylvia.

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