William A. Smith

William A. Smith, 78, of Rocky Hill, passed away unexpectedly on Monday (March 6, 2006). Born in Hartford, on October 28, 1927 to the late Lawrence and Beatrice (Kley) Smith, he was raised and educated in Wethersfield. After graduating from Wethersfield High School, he furthered his education at Pratt Institute in New York. He was a Korean Conflict veteran and served with the 82nd Airborne. Upon his return from the service, he began his career as a commercial artist in Hartford. He later joined the family printing business, Service Press Inc. in Hartford as Vice-President until its closing in 1978. He then joined Sweet Printing in Glastonbury and remained employed until its closing in 2005. He was a talented artist and painted many landscapes and portraits for family and friends. He married Dorothy (Nazzaro) Smith on October 8, 1955. He had three children and made his home in Rocky Hill where he lived the rest of his life. Besides Dorothy his beloved wife of 50 years, he leaves his sons, Scott of Wethersfield, William Jr. of Pasadena, CA and his daughter Lucinda Cooper and her fiancée Louis Presta of Rocky Hill, and his granddaughter Amy Cooper of Rocky Hill. He also leaves his sister, Beatrice DesRosier of Farmington, and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his brother Lawrence Jr. He recently lost his best friend, his loyal dog Jesse. He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle and friend and will be sadly missed by all who knew him, especially his life-long friend Fred Hausman. Bill never thought he would live long enough to see the Red Sox win the World Series. Calling hours are 5-7 p.m. on Friday, March 10, at D'Esopo Funeral Chapel, 277 Folly Brook Blvd., Wethersfield, with a brief memorial service following the calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Connecticut Humane Society, 701 Russell Road, Newington, CT 06111. For on-line expressions of sympathy, please visit www.desopo.com.