Korean War veteran
Published in the January 25, 2018 edition
NORTH READING — Robert J. Smith, 85, of North Reading, died Tuesday, January 16, 2018. He was the beloved husband of the late Faye B. (McDonald) Smith.
Born in Somerville on January 19, 1932, he was the son of the late Vincent and Frances (Straughen) Smith. Bob was a graduate of Lexington High School and Northeastern University. A Korean War veteran, Bob was a sergeant in the U.S. Marine Corps from 1952 to 1955.
He worked as an engineer for the Polaroid Corporation in Cambridge for over 25 years and was a resident of North Reading for 52 years.
Bob was a loving husband, father and grandfather. A parishioner at St. Theresa’s Church, Bob served as head usher at Saturday services. He was a Boy Scouts volunteer, a member of the Democratic Town Committee, both in North Reading, and an ice hockey player and certified AHA referee. As a proud Marine, he was a member of the Marine Corps League. Bob was a passionate car enthusiast and Indy race car fan.
Family members include his loving children, Jeffrey R. Smith of North Reading, who cared for him for many years; Kevin M. Smith of Williamsburg, Va.; Marianne S. Cimmino and her husband Robert of Waterford, Conn., and Sandra J. Mullins and her husband Charles of Shapleigh, Maine. He was the brother of the late Phillip, Richard and Thomas Smith. He is also survived by two grandchildren, Jennifer M. Cimmino and Jeremy D. Cimmino, both of Waterford, Conn.
Despite years of fighting dementia, he was still happy every day.
His funeral was held from the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow Street, North Reading on Monday, January 22, followed by a funeral Mass at St. Theresa’s Church, 63 Winter Street (Rt. 62), North Reading. Calling hours were held on Sunday, January 21. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
Memorial donations may be made in his memory to: North Reading Veterans, 235 North Street (Town Hall), North Reading, MA 01864, c/o Susan Magner. www.croswellfuneralhome.com.
