1936 - 2023
Army No Vistitation Date Scheduled
Funeral
March 23, 202310AM
St. Catherine Church 107 N Main St, Westford, MA 01886
Robert Martin Smith
Robert was born in Norwood, MA on December 5, 1936 and passed peacefully with his wife at his side on March 15, 2023. He was the only child to the late Robert N. and Julia E. (Folan) Smith, of Canton, MA. He was married for 55 years to Diane Noel Smith, who survives him. He was the father of Karen Smith Alves and husband Manny of Hudson, MA and Susan Walsh and Husband David of Litchfield, NH. Bob is also survived by his grandchildren Samantha and Michael Walsh, and step-granddaughter Kelly Alves.
Bob grew up in Canton, MA attending St. John Elementary School and Canton High School (Class of 1954). He went on to attend Northeastern University, graduating with a BS in Electrical Engineering in 1959. During his time at Northeastern, he did co-op work assignments at General Radio (later GenRad) in Concord, MA. After Graduation, Bob spent three years on active duty in the US Army, later attaining the rank as Captain in the Army Reserve.
Bob returned to General radio in 1961, staying for 28 years, in various engineering and Program Management Positions. It was at GenRad where he met his wife Diane in 1966. They were married on October 7, 1967, and moved to Westford, MA, where he and Diane spent 34 wonderful years bringing up two beautiful daughters. Bob served on the Permanent School Building Committee in Westford from 1988 until 2003, as treasurer and vice-chair, during a period of major school construction projects. He was also involved in various Graniteville activities.
Bob later worked at Kokusai/Bruce Technologies in Billerica, as Director of Facilities, until his retirement in 2003. Diane and Bob moved to Brewster on Cape Cod in 2002, into the home they had built in 1980. Bob was a board member on the Brewster Mens Club and volunteered for the Brewster Historical Society. He was also a board member and regular volunteer at the Museum of Natural History.
Diane and Bob traveled extensively during retirement. Over fifty trips by Bob’s account. Driving tours of the west from the Canadian Rockies to Mexico. Also Alaska, Hawaii, Costa Rica. River cruises in Europe and trips to Great Britain, Ireland, Scotland, France, and Italy. Mediterranean and Panama Canal cruises. And many trips to Virginia, especially the Williamsburg area.
FUNERAL NOTICE
A Funeral Mass will be held at St. Catherine’s Church 107 N Main St, Westford, MA 01886 Westford, MA at 10am on Thursday March 23, 2023. Burial at a later date will be in St. Catherines Cemetery. Arrangement by DOLAN FUNERAL HOME guestbook at www.dolanfuneralhome.com
Rick Isaacs
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Dear Diane, and Bob’s family,
Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. From the time I started learning project management until the time I left GenRad, Bob was a kind, willing listener and smart mentor to me. I could always come to Bob with a question or a problem and learn more than I had expected. And he was always available to go out for beer and pizza! Bob was a wonderful person, I will always treasure memories of our working together.
Rick Isaacs
Paul Milot
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Dear Diane, our heartfelt condolences to you and your family for your loss. Bob was a good man who loved you, his family and country. He will be greatly missed. Know that you and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Love, Anne-Marie & Paul
Sally Cormier
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A life fulfilled! Our condolences to you Diane, Karen, Susan, and family. Bob was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend. Kind soul who loved life. Everyone will miss him. We will cherish our visit up at Lake Winnipesaukee. May you Rest In Peace, Bob. Hope you and Sandra are chatting it up.
Fred & Kathy Budreski
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We got to know Bob and Diane living in Brewster. We became close friends and always enjoyed celebrating our birthdays at Scargo Cafe. Our group has grown smaller in the last couple of years but we are sure that Bob, Al and George will be there in spirit and dividing our check. It always came out right to the Penney ! Bob will be sorely missed. God Speed .!
Jes and Terry Sloan
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May his memory be a blessing always.
We love you.
Joan & Jim Richards
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Dear Diane, We were saddened to learn of Bob’s death and will always remember what a great man he was. The time we all worked at GenRad was wonderful. We have many happy memories and I especially remember when you got married and when there was a baby shower gift when you were expecting your first child. How lucky we were to meet the person who would be our loving spouse at GenRad. We send our heartfelt sympathy to you and your daughters. Bob will be missed.
Joan and Jim Richards
Muriel Fresh
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Dear Diane,
My sincere condolences. Bobby and I were very close growing up. I will miss his phone calls. Sending you and the girls love and prayers?
Muriel
Nancy Wigley
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Dear Diane: Sharing your sorrow. t
Nancy Wigley
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Dear Diane: Sharing your sorrow. It was always a delight connecting with you and Bob while in Brewster. Many happy memories. Stay strong. Consider yourself hugged. Nancy
PeterF Obrien
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Hi Diane,
Patty F called me on the loss of your Husband Bob, He was a great American, always willing to help when ever he could,
I do know our class reunions, would never had been so successful, with out Bobs help
in organizing all that had to be done, He always did a great job.
I was a classmate of Bob at Canton High School class of 1954
Always enjoyed his company, we will Miss him,. May he rest in peace with the Good lord
Kindest Regards, and condolences, Peter F Obrien
Tim & Carol Shanahan
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Dear Diane,
Our sincere condolences to you, Karen, Susan & your grandchildren. We will always remember Bob as an absolutely great guy whose top priority was his loving family! You obviously had a rewarding retirement together with all the travels you enjoyed, such wonderful memories.
We know that he was welcomed in Heaven by so many loved ones including Walter & Caroline. He will be missed, God bless you all, you are in our thoughts & prayers.
With love, Tim & Carol
Kevin Regan
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Dear Diane, Karen, Susan and Family-
We are deeply saddened to learn of Bob’s passing. He was an excellent individual. A great husband, father and individual. His selfless contributions on the Permanent Building Committee were integral to the construction of some many beautiful schools in Westford. Our sincerest sympathy to you. Each of you are in our prayers.
Kevin & Eva Regan
Raymond Hebert
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Dear Diane,
Please accept my condolences and those of everyone at the Cape Cod Museum of Natural History. Bob was very much loved and appreciated by all of us in Brewster. He gave so much time & devotion to the Museum and its Mission. He can never be replaced. Bob was made Trustee Emeritus two years ago when he was no longer able serve on the Board. Bob was my first friend when I came on the Board 12 years ago and when I became Chairman he took me under his wing and helped through some uncharted territory. He was a good man, a loyal volunteer, a respected Trustee and we will be forever in his debt.
Chas Dings
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Dear Diane,
Laurie and I were so sad to learn of Bob’s passing. He was a really great classmate, always positive and supporting. He did so much to support our reunions and communications in between. He will be greatly missed by us all. Our sincere sympathy to you and your family.
Laurie and Chas Dings
Roz Diamond and Michael Harnett
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Dear Diane
Mike and I are saddened by your loss. May his memory be for a blessing to those who knew and loved him.