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A loving husband, father, and grandfather, his professional career included 22 years in the U.S. Navy, 20 years as a government contractor supporting the US Navy, and one of his most personally gratifying jobs as a Job Coach at Looking Upwards in Middletown, RI.
Chief Smith attended the following schools in Worcester, MA: Grafton St. Elementary, Grafton St. Junior High School, Worcester Boys Trade School, and Commerce High school. In October 1956, he enlisted in the United States Navy and served until his retirement in 1978. He attended basic training at Recruit Training Command, Bainbridge, Maryland. His first tour of duty after boot camp was aboard the USS TIDEWATER (AD 31) out of Norfolk, Virginia, followed by a tour on the USS KIDD (DD 661) home ported in Philadelphia, PA. He then served two years at the Naval Air Station, Quonset Point, RI followed sea rotation on the USS YOSEMITE (AD 19) in Newport, RI. It was suggested that he volunteer for the Operational and Technical Evaluation (OPEVAL/TECHEVAL) of the Navy’s latest anti-submarine weapon. After extensive training at Service Schools Command, Orlando, FL, he was assigned to the test and evaluation facility commanded by Commander Operational Test and Evaluation Forces (COMOPTEVFOR) Atlantic Fleet at John F. Kennedy Space Center, Cape Canaveral, FL. His next assignment was to the commissioning crew in establishing and operating the testing and preparation facility at the Commander Submarine Support Facility (COMSUBSUPPFAC) located on the Naval Submarine Base, Groton CT. He then returned to Service Schools Command Orlando, FL, as a student, and was selected to remain on board as an instructor of the weapons test equipment training course, where he ultimately retired. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Good Conduct Medal with two stars, Expert Pistol Medal, and Meritorious Unit Commendation Ribbon.
A dedicated and active volunteer he was heavily involved in youth programs while raising his three sons. In the Cub Scouting program he served in variety of positions including: Committee Member, Activities Chairman, Committee Chairman, Assistant Cubmaster and, Cubmaster (of several Cub Scout Packs), Unit Commissioner, Neighborhood Commissioner, District Commissioner, and the Cub Scout Commissioner for the Pequot District (Orlando, FL). He was also very active in support of various Boy Scout Troops serving as Committee Chairman and Assistant Scoutmaster. He was awarded the District Award of Merit, the Scouter’s Key, and various training awards throughout his tenure in scouting. He was also very active in his sons’ youth sports programs including as coach, committee member and commissioner of various youth baseball and football leagues in Orlando, FL and Middletown, RI.
As a member of the Knights of Columbus he filled a variety of positions, ultimately serving as Grand Knight of Middletown Council #4201. He was also a member of General Rosecrans Assembly 4th degree Knights of Columbus where he held various offices, and served on the Bishops Honor Guard.
Thanks again Bill: |
