Philip Calton Smith

Philip Calton Smith, “Kelt,” 64 passed away in Towson, Maryland on June 21st. Kelt graduated from Towson High School in 1980 and attended Towson University. He made a career in furniture sales, but his true passions were genealogy and movie history. A veritable walking encyclopedia of film, he could recite the release date, actors (including birthdays), directors and plot of any movie within seconds. He was a devoted son. When his mother lived at Stella Maris in Timonium, Kelt would go over once a week with a movie, cakes, cookies, and Diet Coke for residents and share his knowledge of what they were about to watch. He was the equivalent of a “Towson” Turner Classic Movie host, only Kelt provided the snacks. Kelt was exceptionally close to his three younger sisters. His role of big brother transcended into a fatherly role with the early passing of their Dad. Kelt walked each sister down the aisle at their weddings and offered a sympathetic ear whenever needed. His razor sharp wit and intellect were balanced by his kindheartedness. While he owned many cats during his life: Sugar, Margot, Lucy, Odd Job and Charlotte, he carried Milk Bones in his car for both random and neighborhood dogs who anxiously awaited his treats. Kelt never missed a birthday or anniversary, marking the occasions with hand written cards in his exquisite penmanship. He believed in standing for ladies at the dinner table, wearing sport coats to dinner, good parking karma, and the importance of thank you notes. Kelt enjoyed travel and relished his annual trips to San Francisco for family Christmas dinners at The House of Prime Rib. He was honest, humble and hilarious, often repeating his lifelong motto, “Remember, it’s not how you feel, it’s how you look!” Kelt was preceded in death by his parents, Dr. Philip Smith, DDS, and Jean Biddix Smith. He is survived by his sisters Lee Sera (Juan), Lynn Schnautz ( Kurt), and Jane Opperthauser (David). He is also survived by his five adoring nieces, Anna Sera, Isabel Sera, Lily Sparks (Tanner), Lt. Elinor Layton, DMD (Jared), Adele Schnautz (fiance Mason Stoll), many cousins, friends and neighbors and their cats and dogs. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Kelt’s name to The Maryland SPCA.

Philip Calton Smith

April 28, 1962 - June 21, 2026