LEONARD F. SMITH

SMITH, Leonard F., MD Of Centerville died peacefully on July 27, 2016 surrounded by his family. A native of Swampscott, MA, Len was the son of Arthur K. and Eileen M. Smith. Dr. Smith was a graduate of St. John's Prep, the College of the Holy Cross (1951), (from which four of his children graduated), and Georgetown University School of Medicine (1955), (where one of his sons and grandsons also received Doctor of Medicine degrees). Len did his internship at Mercy Hospital, Baltimore, MD and his residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Boston City Hospital. Dr. Smith served with the U.S. Air Force Medical Corps in Moses Lake, Washington, as well as in Savannah, Georgia and at Boston City Hospital, for a total service time of seven years. He remained with the Air Force in active reserve until 1968, achieving the rank of Major. Len began a private medical practice in Hyannis in 1964 as a member of the medical staff of Cape Cod Hospital serving on numerous staff committees, as well as a term as chief of OB/GYN. During his 25 years in private practice on the Cape, he joyfully helped bring thousands of babies into the world. In 1984, he joined the faculty of Tufts University School of Medicine, initially serving as Director of General OB/GYN at St. Margaret's Hospital, and as Associate Residency Director at Tufts. In 1989, he joined the staff of New England Medical Center as Senior Surgeon, Division Director and Student Clerkship Director. Dr. Smith earned numerous awards for excellence in teaching, including those given by Tufts residents and the American Association of Professors of OB/GYN. During his time at Tufts, he was invited on four occasions to share his medical expertise in Saudi Arabia, as an external medical student examiner and hospital consultant. He retired from active practice in 1995 and from teaching in 2001, having earned the title of Clinical Professor of OB/GYN Emeritus. His outstanding legacy of caring for his many friends, patients, students and residents was one of his proudest accomplishments. He was also a member of several professional groups: the Massachusetts Medical Society, for which he served as Executive Counsellor, the American College of OB/GYN, serving as section chairman, the New England College of OB/GYN, as President, and the Obstetrics Society of Boston. In addition, he was a long time member of the Board of the American Association of Pro-Life OB/GYNs, as well as the Nurturing Network. Len somehow managed to carve out time to watch, coach and shuttle his eight children to numerous sporting events, including hockey, soccer and baseball games. An avid golfer, Len belonged to one of his favorite places on earth - Hyannisport Golf Club - for 50 years, continuing to play golf 3-4 times a week up until recently. The primary joy of his life was his beloved family in whom he took great pride and instilled a love of family, faith, the Cape, travel, seafood/lobster and the Red Sox. Len was pre-deceased by his best friend and wife of 53 years, Joan, and leaves his 8 children, their spouses, and 24 grandchildren: son Dr. Brian and daughter-in-law Holly and their sons Brendan, Sean, Colin and Kevin of Avon, CT; son Kevin and wife Julie and children Colman, Clare and Katherine of Arlington, VA; daughter Eileen Smith and husband John and daughter Avery Orrall of Winchester, MA; son Michael, wife Dr. Linda Lis, and children Ryan, Caitlin and Erin Smith of Hinsdale, IL; daughter Kathie and husband Doug Rischmann and their children Kasey, Owen, Aidan and Liam of Darien CT; Tim and his wife Mary-Dixon Smith and children Julia, Henry and Tommy of Hingham, MA; son Sean and his wife Najine, daughters Saina and Tivana Smith of Paris, France; and youngest daughter Sheila and her husband Rob Diestel, and children Annabel, Mary and Declan of Norton, MA. He is also survived by his confidante and brother, Arthur Kevin Smith and his wife Marcia, his sister Maura Emery, and numerous nieces and nephews. During his career, travels, and on the Cape, Len was able to instantly connect with people, by sharing stories, his strong opinions, or just a kind word. He truly had a heart of gold, and picked up where his wife left off by remembering each child and grandchild's birthday, anniversary or important event, with a specially chosen card and gift. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren's sporting activities in person or online. His grandchildren have fond memories of Grampie bringing their favorite donuts, Four Seas ice cream and freshly picked corn, as well as special dinners with him, during their annual summer gathering - the Smith Family Cousins' Week, when up to 40 immediate family members enjoyed time together around Wequaquet Lake. Len had a brilliant mind and a sharp memory until the end. As he said many times, he lived a full and happy life in his 86 years. He will be greatly missed. Visiting hours will be on Sunday, August 7th from 4-7 pm at the John-Lawrence Funeral Home, 3778 Falmouth Road (Rt 28) MARSTONS MILLS. A Funeral Mass in honor of his extraordinary life will be celebrated on Monday, August 8th at 10am at Our Lady of Victory Church, 230 South Main Street, Centerville, where he had been parishioner, and served as a Eucharistic minister. Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Cemetery, Centerville. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Francis Xavier Cemetery Fund, 21 Cross St, Hyannis, MA 02601 For online guestbook and directions please visit www.john lawrencefuneralhome.com