Elliott R. Smolensky

Elliott R. Smolensky, 76, of Country Side Rd., died Monday (8/9/21) at Baystate Hospital in Springfield MA following a prolonged illness.

He was born the youngest of three brothers in Brooklyn, NY on May 18, 1945, the son of Abraham (“Smitty”) Smolensky, and Jennie (Miller) Smolensky.

For many of his early years his family owned and ran an Army and Navy Store in Brooklyn.

After studying at Hunter College in NYC, Elliott went on to graduate from the New Jersey College of Medicine and Dentistry in 1970. Following his graduation he found his way to Greenfield MA and established Greenfield Dental Associates in 1971. Beginning In 1981 GDA also included business partner Dr. Gene Goldstein.

One back story includes Elliott and Dental College friend Jim Roman deciding that when they first saw the hills of Leyden from Rte. 91 in Greenfield, this was it!  That day boded well for Greenfield and the entire Pioneer valley.  Not one, but two successful Dental practices came out of it!

Elliott married Jean (now) Conway in October 1971, and together they made a home in Leyden for several years. They remained close friends until the very end.

Through decades of serving the public, Elliott became a well-known face in the area. His interests and accomplishments included pioneering The New England Professional Group with Dr. Wayne Gavryck.  NEPG  is dedicated to assisting health professionals in overcoming addiction and substance abuse, with the goal of returning to productive careers. Elliott himself was a “friend of Bill’s” for many years. He was also a master of the win/win.

Most people did not know of his avid interest in the sciences, including deep philosophy and mathematics. He also immersed himself in high-ground scientific theory, from Quantum Physics to the mysteries of the Solar System!

Aside from friends and family, Elliott’s greatest pleasure was music. He was a trained musician and accomplished horn player, much admired for his skills on both Alto and Tenor sax. He was also sought after for his talents on the flute, from which he coaxed tasty melodies, lead lines, and accompaniments for his fellow band mates. His two favorite genres were Reggae and Latin Jazz! Elliott was a session player in Manhattan in the early days, and even played gigs at the famed Peppermint Lounge in NYC. As a teenager he also made a living as a musician in the Catskills, playing summer “Bungalow Colonies” in his band “The Travels” with lifelong friend Al Basilicato.”

Ellliott  is survived by his wife Rebecca Brown, his daughter Grace Brown Smolensky, both of Colrain MA, and his older brother Eugene of Berkeley California.

He is also survived by his former wife Jean Conway, and his close friends Donna and Monique Foote, Howie Natenshon and Rosemary Caine, Wayne and Amanda Gavryck, Rich and Kathy DiMatteo, Rob and Mary Cohn, Michael Mastrototero, Steve Fox, Colby and Marsha Lunt, and more close friends than space here permits.

Elliott was predeceased by his son Alexander “Blue” Smolensky in September 1996, and also his brother Joel Harvey several years ago.

A memorial service will be held at a later time, with date to be announced.

There are plans to establish a scholarship in his name managed by The New England Professional Group. It will be called the Annual Smolensky Scholarship in honor of Elliott, and will benefit the work, friends, and constituency of the New England Professional Group mentioned above.

Arrangements are under the direction of Kostanski Funeral Home. For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com

More information is available, and Memorial contributions may be made to:

NEPG

Smolensky Scholarship

105 Lennys Way

West Springfield, MA  01089

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