Edmund T. Smith, Sr., 85, of West Hartford, CT, passed away peacefully July 19th. He was born on February 26, 1932 in Haverhill, MA, the son of the late Mary and Arthur Smith. He graduated from Haverhill High School and Trade School in 1949 and began working as a plumber. In 1951 he was drafted into the Army and spent 2 years on active duty and 26 years as a reserve officer, retiring with the rank of Colonel.
Returning from active duty in 1953 he moved to Hartford with his parents. It was there that he married his wife Barbara, also originally from Haverhill, who passed away in 2015. In addition to his military career, he advanced in his civilian career becoming Director of Plant and Transportation Services for the West Hartford Board of Education for 24 years and he was President of the Connecticut School Business Officials. Ed was also very involved with the Veteran’s affairs, and was most proud to be on the committee that created the Connecticut Veterans Memorial in West Hartford center. Ed and Barb enjoyed 60 years of marriage together and he often said marrying her was the best thing he ever did. They had a wonderful marriage and after their children were grown they traveled extensively around the United States, Canada, and Europe.
He is predeceased by his parents and his two brothers, Frederick and Arthur, and he leaves behind three children, Edmund Smith, Jr. and his wife Laura of Bloomfield, Maureen Starr of Avon and her companion Michael Steele of Destin, FL, Kathleen Korzeb and her husband Michael of Ellington, six grandchildren, Ryan and Ashley Smith, Tyler and Cameron Starr, Meghan and Austin Maniatis. He also leaves behind two great grandchildren, Sierra Rapoport, Ayden Smith and several nieces and nephews.
The family wishes to express their deep appreciation to the entire staff at Arden Courts of Farmington for the outstanding care they gave to Ed, and also how they appreciated his sense of humor for “taking charge” of daily activities, and to the McLean Hospice team of professionals and volunteers who provided “3 rounds” of care and compassion for him.
A quote he left for all of us. “I have been blessed all through life by the association with people I have loved and in turn who loved and cared for me. No one knows what the future holds but by placing my future in the hands of God and my loved ones I am confident in the future.”
He is dearly missed by his family and friends.
Funeral Service will be Saturday, (July 22), 10:30 am at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Ave., West Hartford. Burial will be in Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown. Calling hour will be from 9:30 to 10:30 am at the funeral home prior to the service. Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com