Trustee emeritus and well-known philanthropist Robert H. Smith passed away suddenly Tuesday night. He was 81.

Smith – son of Charles E. Smith, namesake of the Smith Center – was a real estate giant in the District. Last year, Smith, along with his brother-in-law Robert Kogod donated $10 million toward the renovation of the Smith Center, the largest single philanthropic gift to the University at the time. 

“Bob Smith was a great, indeed a visionary philanthropist who was a tremendous supporter not only of this university and of his alma mater, the University of Maryland, but of countless institutions in the greater Washington area and beyond,” said University President Steven Knapp in a statement. “Just last week he was on our campus to offer his advice on the next phase of renovation of the center named for his father, Trustee Charles E. Smith.”  

Knapp said he has been able to see the effects of Smith’s philanthropic endeavors in the District.

“He took special care to ensure that the altruistic values he proudly inherited from his father were handed down to his children and grandchildren,” Knapp said. “He will be sorely missed by us all.”

A funeral service for Smith will take place at 11 a.m. Jan. 3 at Adas Israel Congregation, 2850 Quebec St. NW in Cleveland Park.