Robert H. Smith

Robert H. Smith, 84, of Charlestown, RI, passed peacefully Saturday, September 26, 2015 surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband and best friend of Carol F. Smith for 62 years. Born in Meriden, he was a son of the late Raymond and Ella (Holdridge) Smith. He and Carol raised five children in Meriden and Yalesville, moving to the family “cottage” in Charlestown and wintering in Punta Gorda, FL after retirement. Bob received degrees from UCONN, CCSU, and the University of Hartford. Most of Bob’s professional career was spent as a well-respected educator in the Cheshire and Meriden school systems, retiring as principal of Roger Sherman in 1992. As a man of faith, he was very involved in the church. He gave generously of his time and talents to a variety of organizations including the Meriden Kiwanis Club and Habitat for Humanity. Bob was often referred to as a “jack of all trades” fixing cars, boats, and appliances with a little Yankee ingenuity. He learned to be electrician, plumber, and carpenter, lovingly crafting the family home in Charlestown. Besides his wife Carol, he is survived by his daughters Wendy Timberman and husband Dennis of Hampton, Linda Blinn and husband Philip of Hampton, sons David and wife Betsy of West Hartford, Scott and wife Nancy of Preston, MD, and Rob of Taichung, Taiwan. He also leaves cherished grandchildren Heather, Benjamin and Nathan Timberman, Justin and Allyson Blinn, Amber, Sarah, Tatiana, and Zachary Smith, and Abigail Smith, as well as great grandsons Alex and Caleb Blinn-Conti. Bob also leaves his beloved brother Wayne and wife Emily of Meriden, as well as many nieces, nephews, and cousins. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to a charity of your choice or perform an act of kindness in his memory. A celebration of Bob’s life will be held at First Congregational Church in Meriden on Oct 17 at 11:00am, followed by interment at Walnut Grove Cemetery.