William L. Smith

William L. Smith, 78, of Worcester, died Friday, June 20, 2008 at UMass Memorial Hospital surrounded by his family.

He leaves his wife of 15 years, Barbara (Kneeland) Smith, and her children, Timothy Dyer and his wife Lynne, and Peggy Dyer; his nine children, Dr. Stephen J. Smith of Manchester NH, Valerie A. Buffone and her husband Peter of Millbury, Timothy J. Smith of Boston, Michael J. Smith and his wife Brenda of Oxford, John F. Smith and his wife Lisa of Worcester, Nancy M. Metivier and her husband Joseph of Worcester, William P. Smith and his wife Kim of Milford, David P. Smith of Worcester and Christopher J. Smith and his wife Jacqueline of West Roxbury; ten grandchildren, Jennifer Buffone, Joshua Smith, Joseph Metivier, Meghan Smith, Jessie Metivier, Lauren Metivier, Kristy Smith, Daniel Smith, Thygeson Smith and Shannon Dyer; one great-grandchild, Tiana Smith; many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased by his first wife Helen (Sullivan) Smith in July 1988 and two sisters Nettie (Smith) Coomey and Shirley (Smith) Barrell.

Bill was born in Ashburnham, MA on August 7, 1929 as the son of Alton H. and Cecile B. (Oliver) Smith and lived in Worcester most of his life. He graduated from Commerce High in 1947 and served in the U.S. Naval Reserve from 1950–1954. He played professional baseball as a third basemen for the Rock Hill Chiefs in South Carolina from 1947-1949. He was very active professionally and civically and was a member of the following organizations: National Association of Postmasters; St. Gabriel Postal Guild; Massachusetts Golf Association; Strawberry Hills Golf Club; Grafton Hill Golf League; Diocese of Worcester Retreat League; Chairman of Our Lady of Loreto St. Vincent De Paul Society; Board of Governors Oxford Golf Club; and the Alhambra Council Knights of Columbus. Bill's favorite pastime was spending time with his family. He loved spending holidays with family and especially loved Christmas. Bill loved the memories of times spent with family during summer vacations in Camp Ellis/Old Orchard Beach, Maine. He also enjoyed horse racing, golf, watching the Red Sox and was an excellent pool and card player. His love of baseball was passed on to many of his sons as well as his grandsons.

Most of his career was spent with the U.S. Postal Service, starting in 1962 until his retirement in 1990. He was the Postmaster for the Webster, MA branch from January 23, 1982 through his retirement in 1990. Prior to and during his early years at the Postal Service he worked at Wyman-Gordon Co. and the New York Central Railroad.

Bill was beloved by his wife Barbara, his children and grandchildren/great-grandchild, and was devoted to them as they were to him. Bill was more than a father; he was also a mentor and friend.

Bill's funeral will be held Monday, June 23, from MERCADANTE FUNERAL HOME & CHAPEL, 370 Plantation St. Worcester, with a Mass at 10 a.m. in Our Lady of Lourdes Church, 1290 Grafton St. Worcester. Interment will follow in Saint John's Cemetery, Worcester. Calling hours will be held Sunday, June 22 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Little Sisters of the Assumption (www.littlesisters.org) in care of Sr. Annette Allain, Provincial, Little Sisters of the Assumption, 100 Gladstone Avenue, Walden, NY 12586 or St. Jude's Children's Research Hospital, 401 Saint Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.

For directions or to share a memory or message of condolence please visit Bill's online guest book at

www.mercadantefuneral.com