OBITUARY: Robert C. Smith, 83, of Tewksbury

Robert C. Smith, age 83 of Tewksbury, formerly of Somerville, died unexpectedly at home on September 7, 2016.

Robert was born June 2, 1933 in Somerville, MA; he was one of five sons to the late Herbert K. and Helen L. (Wood) Smith. Robert was raised and educated in Somerville and a graduate of Somerville High School.

Prior to retiring over 20 years ago, Robert worked as a shipper/receiver for Stop and Shop Supermarkets for many years. Robert was a very dedicated and hard working employee and an asset to the company.

Robert married his “sweetheart” Shirley Ann Earle on June 6, 1959; the couple shared more than 45 years together before Shirley’s passing in January of 2004. Robert and Shirley moved to Tewksbury in 1963 and became parents in June of 1964 to their only child Sharon, whom they loved with all of their hearts. When Robert became “Grandpa” to his only grandchild Kelly the world became even brighter; he just adored her.

Throughout the years Robert enjoyed the time he spent with his family; their trips to Cape Cod, his cruise with Shirley, and their many family celebrations and dinners over the years.

Robert was known to be an avid sports fan especially when it came to the Boston Braves and the Boston Red Sox; he followed them closely and hardly ever missed a game.

In his later years, Robert enjoyed collecting trains and lighthouses; he proudly displayed his collections for all to see. He also loved going to the Tewksbury Senior Center and to St. William’s Church for Mass whenever he could get out.

Robert will be fondly remembered for his gruff exterior but inside he had a heart of gold. Robert loved his family especially his daughter Sharon who was always there for her dad. Roberts sudden death has left a huge hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved him.

Robert was the beloved husband of the late Shirley A. (Earle) Smith, devoted father of Sharon Harriman & her fiancé Frank Bracken of Bradford, loving “Grampa” of Kelly Harriman of Bradford, dear son of the late Herbert and Helen (Wood) Smith, brother of James Smith & his wife Marie of Lynn, the late Donald, George, and Herbert Smith, Jr. Robert is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Family and friends will gather at the Nichols Funeral Home, 187 Middlesex Ave. (Rte. 62), Wilmington, on Tuesday, September 13th for Visitation from 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 noon immediately followed by a Funeral Service at 12:00 noon. Interment will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Tewksbury.

Memorial donations in Robert’s name may be made to the Tewksbury Senior Center, 175 Chandler St., Tewksbury, MA 01876.

Obituary courtesy of the Nichols Funeral Home