WESTFIELD – Robert T. Smith formerly of 37 Sackett Road passed away peacefully Friday, March 22, 2013 at a local nursing home at the age of 94. Born in Barre, VT, he lived most of his life in Westfield.
A graduate of Westfield High School and Bentley College, he was a WWII Army veteran, who fought in the Battle of the Bulge. A long-time local merchant, he, his father and brothers owned the former Smith’s Department Store of Westfield with other stores in Southwick, MA and Suffield, CT. He was a member of the Masons and the First Congregational Church and was active in the YMCA and Scouting. Robert and his brother Gordon married two sisters, Caroline and Priscilla Arnold. Growing up, always as next-door neighbors, the children were close, more as brothers and sisters than cousins. Bob was predeceased by his wife, Caroline (Arnold) Smith in 2008, and his son, Bobby in 1964.
He is survived by his son, Charles and his wife Mildred of Vernon, CT; his daughter, Linda (“Cindy”) Quackenbush and her husband Carr Lane of Monson; four grandchildren and five great-grandchildren. Over a long and happy life “Smitty” enjoyed skiing, hunting, fishing and particularly golfing with his buddies, but above all he loved his family. He leaves us with fond memories of growing up in the country and happy times at the cottage he built on Lake Dunmore in VT. Bob touched the lives of all he met, he made people feel special. They smiled when he came into the room. He leaves behind many who hold him dear and who love and will miss him terribly
Calling hours will be held on Saturday, March 30th from 1:00 p.m. until 4:00 p.m. at the Firtion-Adams Funeral service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield. Burial will be private, at a later time.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in remembrance of R.T. Smith to the Lake Dunmore/Fern Lake Association, P.O. Box 14, Salisbury, VT 05769.
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