Obituary of Raymond C. Smith

Raymond C. "Smitty" Smith, 92, died on Wednesday, September 21, 2011 in Webster Manor Healthcare Center, Webster, MA. He was born September 15, 1919 in Putnam, son of the late Herbert N. Smith and Delia M. (Lacas) Jung Smith. Raymond was a lifelong Putnam resident before entering Webster Manor where he had made his home for seven years. He is survived by his sister, Bertha (Smith) Basinet Rydzewski of Thompson. As a loving Uncle, Raymond is also survived by several nieces and nephews including Patricia (Basinet) Pelkey of Putnam, CT, Barbara (Paul) Provencher of Barton, VT and, Carolyn (Basinet) Rogers of Thompson, CT his care giver, and many great and great great nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by two sisters and one brother, Dorothy (Jung) Bernabucci; Helen (Smith) Parent; Robert D. Smith; a nephew, Robert Smith Jr. and nephew in law, Donald R. Rogers. Raymond was a proud Army Veteran of WWII, he enlisted on March 23, 1942. He served in the Infantry for the duration of the War in campaigns throughout all of Europe. Asia and Africa where he was an expert marksman and rifleman and drove heavy, armored transport vehicles. He received an Honorable Discharge at Fort Devens, MA, July 4th 1945 where he was decorated with many ribbons and medals for his service during the War. He served in the US Coast Guard from 1945 to 1961. Immediately following his discharge from the Army, Raymond became a Merchant Seaman with the White Star Lines. He was a member of the National Maritime Union of America. As a Merchant Seaman Raymond traveled to every Continent. He spent time in Greece, Rome, France, Casablanca, Malaysia, Guam, England, Thailand, Germany, Amsterdam, and many other Countries, having even visited Iceland. Raymond continued to sail internationally for over 30 years until an injury, while home on leave, forced his retirement in the late 1970's. His name can he found in Coast Guard records and on several hundred merchant ship logs spanning three decades. "Smitty" will be remembered, for his exuberant and outgoing, eccentric personality, his sense of humor and a kind heart. He loved animals, always having a companion dog by his side. He had a great love of music: he enjoyed traveling, watching TV and movies, especially King Kong. He loved being an Uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. The family wishes to extend a sincere and heartfelt thank you to the nurses and all of the kind and caring staff at Webster Manor, you always made him feel safe and at home on Unit 3. A special thank you to nurses Wendy and Mary for their love and dedication. Thank you to all of the devoted staff and volunteers of Brookfield Hospice. Your care and kindness was of great comfort to him during the last months of his life. A graveside service, with Military Honors was held on Friday, September 23, 2011 at Grove Street Cemetery in Putnam, CT. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam