He was born on December 29, 1923, in Parryville, PA, to the late Howard and Mary (Brown) Smith. On June 7, 1946, he married his beloved wife Dorothy (Wendt) at their home in Uncasville. She predeceased him in August of 1991.
Mr. Smith graduated from the United States Coast Guard Academy in 1946 (Class of 1947) and served from 1946 to 1967. His last duty station while on active duty was at the US Coast Guard Academy in New London as its Comptroller. He then worked as the financial director of the City of New London for 19 years and upon retirement from that position went on to hold the same position, as finance director, with the Mashantucket Pequot Tribe for 5 years. He was an original member of the Southeastern CT Water Authority Board of Directors from when it was founded in the mid 1960’s, going on to serve for more than thirty years. In addition, his service to the community included a term on the Montville Board of Education. In 1969 he and his wife became the founding members of the Montville Historical Society. He was a member of the Order of The Eastern Star and a 32nd degree Mason. However, he was most proud of being an original charter member of the Montville Rotary Club and received the Paul Harris Service Award.
He was a golfer and as his daughter Julia neared 10 years of age his father-daughter time consisted of teaching her the game. He was in all matters a true gentleman and will be missed by many.
Robert is survived by his daughter Julia Traver; one brother, Rev. Richard Smith of Florida; one sister, Elaine Heintzelman of North Carolina; cousins and numerous nieces and nephews. Besides his wife, he was predeceased by one daughter, Robin Smith, DVM, and his granddaughter, Verity Traver.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 9, 2013, at St. Mark Lutheran Church on Broadway in Norwich at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private at the convenience of the family. There are no calling hours.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, St. Mark Lutheran Church, or The Nature Conservancy.
To leave an online condolence, please visit www.churchandallen.com
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