Obituary of Robert D. Smith

Robert D. Smith, 80, formerly of Underwood Road, Putnam, died Sunday July 8, 2007 at the Haven Health Care in Danielson surrounded by his family. He was the husband of the late Alice (Choquette) Smith, they were married May 7, 1949 in ST Joseph Church, she died in 1979. He was born September 18, 1926 in Putnam, son of the late Herbert and Delia Marie (Lekas) Smith. He was employed at Willimantic Thread Co. for over 30 years, after the company closed, he worked as a security guard for Wells Fargo-Burns in the 1980's. He had made his home in Putnam all his life and was a communicant of ST Mary Church of the Visitation. He was a veteran of World War II serving with the US Navy He served two tours, one on the USS Canberra in 1943, he was awarded the Victory Medal, American Theatre Medal, Asiatic Pacific Medal-6 Stars and the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, he was Honorably Discharged April 1946, his second tour was December of 1947 and he was stationed on the USS Bekar, and was honorably discharged in 1950. He enjoyed fishing, deep sea and fresh water; horse and dog racing and was an avid Boston Red Sox and New England Patriot's fan. A member of the Putnam VFW #1523. He leaves a son: Allan Smith and his wife Betty of Brooklyn; a brother Raymond C. Smith of Webster, MA; two sisters: Dorothy Bernabucci of NH; Bertha Rydzewski of Quinebaug; three grandchildren: Sherrie Gould; Paulette Persons; Elaine Pearsall, five great grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by a son: Robert P. Smith in 2004; and a sister: Helen Parent. A Memorial Mass will be Friday, July 11, 2007 at 11:00 AM in ST Mary Church of the Visitation. 218 Providence Street, Putnam followed by Burial with Military Honors in ST Mary Cemetery, Putnam. In lieu of flowers donations to charity of one's choice. Smith & Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam, CT 06260. To share a memory with his family "Light a Candle" at www.smithandwalkerfh.com