Robert Walter Smith

Robert Walter Smith, 89, of Kensington, passed away on April 18, 2023.  Bob was born in Bethlehem, PA the son of the late Walter Charles and Thelma Ruth (Milheim) Smith.  He was a graduate of Allentown High School in Allentown, Pennsylvania. He served in the US Navy as a Hospital Corpsman during the Korean War, aboard the U.S.S. Duxbury Bay AVP-38 and aboard the U.S.S. Yellowstone AD-27, he was awarded the Good Conduct National Defense and Korean Service Metals.  Bob was a store manager for Sears Roebuck and Co. in Manchester CT for sixteen years.  He was the purchasing agent for the Southington Board of Education, retiring in 2006 after 32 years.  He was a graduate of Charter Oak College in September 1998, where he received his Associate Degree in Science.  Also, a graduate of Briarwood College, June 2001, he received his Associates Degree in Mortuary Science and subsequently received his CT state license as a Funeral Director/Embalmer.  In 2010, he was inducted into the “Who’s Who” among students in American Junior Colleges.  Bob was a Charter Member of Chapter 71 of the National Institute of Government Purchasing, past President, Vice President and Secretary of the Public Purchasing Association of Connecticut.  He was a member of the American Purchasing Association where he received his certification as a Certified Purchasing Professional.  He was a member of the American Legion, Berlin Post 68 and was the Service Officer and Adjutant, a member of the 40 & 8, the Korean War Veterans Chapter 1, Marine Corps, serving on the Chapter’s and the League’s Honor Guard.  In 2010, he received the Leagues Department Meritorious Unit Commendation and the Distinguished Citizen Award.  He was a Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, Berlin Council 3675 where he served as Secretary, Treasurer and Honor Guard. He was a Square Dance Caller and Teacher for 41 years and past President of The Connecticut Square Dance Callers Association.  He served the Town of Berlin as a Commissioner of Parks and Recreation and served on the Berlin Veterans Commission.   He was President of St. Paul Pastoral Council and served on the Stewardship Committee.  In 2010, he was inducted into the Legion of Honor of the Chapel of the Four Chaplin’s.   Bob is survived by a daughter and son-in-law:  Jodi-Lynne and Gerard Michaud of Glastonbury, CT, a son and daughter-in-law:  Geoffrey W. and Suzanne Smith of Houston, TX, three granddaughters:  Fallon and Bianca Smith, Jessica Michaud, three grandsons:  Paul, Michael and Robert Puglisi and 6 great grandchildren.   Besides his parents, he was predeceased by a son: Lawrence W. Smith and a sister: Dr. Ruth Smith.  Friends and family are invited to call at the Berlin Memorial Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Kensington on Saturday, April 22, 2023, from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m., followed by a Mass of Christian Burial 11:30 a.m. at St. Paul Church, 485 Alling St., Kensington.  Final resting place with military honors will be private at the State Veterans Cemetery, Middletown.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert Walter Smith, please visit our floral store.