Obituary of John S. Smith, Sr.

John S. Smith, Sr., 73, Big John of Providence Pike, Putnam, died Tuesday evening at his home with his family. He was the beloved husband of Alice E. (Salvas) Smith; they were married November 4, 1960. He was born July 10, 1932 in Foster, RI, son of the late Stephen H. and Lillian L. (Hill) Smith. John was a heavy equipment operator and truck driver working for construction and trucking companies in the area. He was a veteran of the Korean War serving in the US Navy from 1951 and honorably discharged in 1955. He was proud of crosssing the equator and circled the earth while stationed aboard the USS Henley. He had made his home in Putnam all his life, a member of the East Putnam Fire Department, Putnam American Legion and The Putnam VFW. John served many years on the Putnam Planning Board, Inlands and Wetlands and a member of the East Putnam Fire Department Board of Directors and of the East Putnam Fire Department since 1960. He was a dedicated blood donor, having donated over twenty gallons to the American Red Cross. He enjoyed working on his old trucks and tinkering around the house and yard and the Horse Pulls at the Fairs. He was a loving and caring husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather and always had time for his family, especially his grandchildren. In addition to his wife of 45 years, he leaves three children: Sharon Taylor; John S. Smith, Jr. and his wife Cheryl; Frank H. Smith, all of Putnam; siblings Catherine Leeman of Killingly; Stephen Smith of Putnam; grandsons, Joshua John Lewis; Max August Lewis; John Austin Smith ; great granddaughter, Natalia Jade Lewis. He was predeceased by a son: Shawn Grimes in 1987, and a sister: Esther Smith in 1996. The Funeral Service will be Saturday at 10:00 AM at the Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Calling Hours Friday from 5:00 to 8:00 PM at the Funeral Home. Burial in Putnam Heights Cemetery Putnam with Military Honors. Donations may be made in his memory to Hospice of NE CT, P.O. 632, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with the family, Light a Candle at www.smithandwalkerfh.com