Theodore Smith

Biography

Theodore A. Smith died peacefully just a few days before his 91st birthday on August 23, 2010 at the Maine Veterans Home in South Paris, Maine after a long illness. His was a long and extraordinary yet ordinary life. Ted was born on September 4, 1919 in Springfield MA to a large French-Canadian family. He married his beloved Loretta Dorval on October 25, 1941. They lived and raised their family of three children in Springfield MA until Loretta's death on September 30, 1982. After retirement and Loretta's death, Ted lived in Florida and Arizona, enjoying the warm weather and plentiful sunshine. When his health began to fail, he returned to New England to live closer to his family.

During World War II, Ted tried to enlist but was turned down because the draft board believed his skills as a machinist were better served on the home front. Finally he was accepted into the US Navy because he had radio experience needed for the war effort. Ted served in the Pacific Theater on the USS Sitka Bay, an escort carrier. He never lost that interest and skill and became a ham radio operator after the war with the call sign of W1RQY.

Teddy was a machinist by vocation and a jack-of-all-trades by avocation. He was a tinkerer and a Mr. Fix-it Man, a square dancer and a photographer, a woodworker and carpenter. He enjoyed listening to Peggy Lee and Perry Como, loved watching Dean Martin and he appreciated a good bowl of chili and any flavor of ice cream as long as it was chocolate. He was a shy and reserved man who liked his quiet times alone. He was also quick to show his dimples with a big grin and displayed hints of a sarcastic little sense of humor. Ted had a curious mind that loved technology, weather, and gadgets almost until the end of his life.

Ted is survived by his younger sisters Theresa McGrath and Rita LaPerle of East Longmeadow, Massachusetts. He is also survived by his son David and wife Ann Smith of Monson MA, daughter Janice and husband Charles Smith of Southern Shores, NC, and daughter Cecelia Burnett and partner Ann Swanson of Gorham ME. He is survived by granddaughters Debra and husband Andy Podesta of Lakeville MA, Jessica and husband Brett Sumner of Highlands Ranch CO, and Deanna Smith of Monson MA, as well as grandsons David Burnett and partner Stephanie Zschokke of Maple Grove MN, Jeremy and wife Cloie of Fredericksburg VA, and Joseph and wife Dianna Kholodar-Smith of New Haven CT. He also leaves his great-grandchildren Wyatt and Lucy Sumner, Ryan Burnett, Emma, Charlie, and Henry Smith, and Theo Smith. He leaves many nieces and nephews. He was well-loved and he will be missed.

Ted was predeceased by his beloved wife Loretta; his parents Louis Philippe (Deke) and Blanche (Roulier) Smith; his older sister Cecilia, and his older brothers Paul, Richard, and Roger.

The family would like to thank the dedicated staff at the veterans home for their compassionate and gentle care Daddy received in his final years. We are extremely grateful for the smiles on his face and the twinkles in his eyes that they coaxed from him every day.

Visiting Hours

Saturday September 18, 2010, 10 - 12 Noon at Lombard Funeral Home
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Memorial Service

Saturday September 18, 2010, 11 AM at Lombard Funeral Home
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