Edward John Smith

Edward J. Smith, 86, entered into eternal rest on Tuesday, October 24, 2023 surrounded by his loving family at Baystate Medical Center. Born in Springfield, son of the late George and Veronica (Starzic) Smith, he grew up in Springfield and attended Springfield schools and Springfield Technical Community College. A thirty-eight year veteran of the food industry, Ed began his career as a part timer at the former First National Grocery Store in high school, working his way up to store manager over the next decade. He managed numerous stores in Connecticut and Western Massachusetts before moving on to Food Enterprises, New England’s largest food broker in 1970, where he retired as vice-president. Ed was elected to the Connecticut Food Association Board of Directors and served as an officer for two years. In 1995 he was named Person of the Year by the Connecticut Food Association. He also coached for the Agawam Athletic Association and coached for several years of basketball and girls softball. He was a member of the Polish Club in Feeding Hills where he was the president for two years, the chairman of the board for four years, and the secretary in the 1980’s. Ed was also a member of the Knights of the Grip, serving for five years as an officer and for two years as president. Ed was all about family.  Whether it was at the cabin on Wildcat Rd or at the house on the lake in Ludlow VT.  Vermont was in his bones and where he reset with his family. He loved to travel and spent many family vacations at Myrtle Beach or Florida. But his grandchildren were his most precious gifts.  He loved to watch his grandkids play sports or go to their school events, he was always front row.  He loved them with a fierce passion. He loved parties and a good social event, especially at his beloved Polish Club where so many friends became like family. Ed will be forever remembered for his soft spoken grace and dignity throughout the many decades of his life. He was a true gentleman with the kindest heart who will be so missed by all who knew and loved him. He was a faithful communicant of Sacred Heart Church. He leaves the love of his life, his wife of sixty-four years, Ursula J. (Kida) Smith, two sons, Stephen J. Smith of Avon, CO, Jeffrey E. and his wife, Christene Smith of Feeding Hills, a daughter, Robin Ann Smith of Agawam, two brothers, George Smith of New Hampshire, Robert Smith of Easthampton, a sister, Gloria Christofori of Chicopee, five grandchildren, Kelsey, Christopher and Adam Trenti, Bodie and Cole Smith along with many nieces and nephews and numerous fur grand babies. The funeral will be held Tuesday at 9:00am from the AGAWAM CURRAN JONES FUNERAL HOME, 745 Cooper Street followed by a Mass at Sacred Heart Church at 10:00am. The burial will follow in Springfield Street Cemetery. Calling hours are Monday from 4-7pm. For online condolences, please visit www.curranjones.com. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Dakin Humane Society, www.dakinhumane.org, or Thomas J. O'Connor Animal Control and Adoption Center, www.tjoconnoradoptioncenter.com.