Arthur J. Smith

BURNSVILLE, Minn. -Arthur J Smith, 84, of Burnsville, Minn., passed away peacefully Tuesday (Dec. 30, 2008). He was born March 13, 1924, in Minneapolis, Minn.

Preceded in death by his parents, Clark and Photini Smith; brothers, Nicholas, George and Constantine; and sisters, Cleopatra (Stamas) and Panayiota (McHorse).

Survived by his beloved wife of 51 years, Helen Smith (née Mellas) of Dayton Ohio; also survived by children, Florence Hebert (Patrick), Arthur Jr., James (Maria Eugenia), and Maria; grandchildren, Samuel Hebert, Hayley Hebert, Ana Elena Smith and Elias Arthur Smith; his brother, Peter, along with numerous in-laws, nieces and nephews – all of whom he loved dearly.

Art was born and raised in Minneapolis and enlisted in armed forces in 1941. He served in the U.S. Navy six years (CPhMA) including time spent in the Pacific Theater of Operation during World War II, where in 1944 he participated in the initial landings of troops at Guam and Peleliu.

After the service he studied at the University of Minnesota, then took a job in the pharmaceutical industry. In 1954 he moved to Mason City, Iowa, where he and Helen settled after their marriage and started work for Wyeth Laboratories as a territory manager.

While in Mason City, Art was an active member of the Greek Orthodox Church, in which he served numerous positions including parish council president. He was also an active participant and leader in the Boy Scouts, Little League, North Central Iowa Retriever Club and other organizations.

He enjoyed hunting, fishing, stamp collecting, training hunting dogs, woodworking, tennis, Twins and Vikings games, travel and anything that involved his family.

In 1986, he moved to Burnsville, Minn., where he retired in 1992 as a district sales manager after 38 years with Wyeth.

Art spent his retirement years enjoying his hobbies, friends and family. He was a husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, uncle, father-in-law, grandfather, boss, co-worker, mentor, neighbor and friend – all without peer; a vital and emphatic person who was loved and respected, and who will be sorely missed.

Funeral service will be held 11 a.m. Monday, Jan. 5, 2009, at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis. Interment will be at Fort Snelling.

Visitation will begin 5 p.m. Sunday with Trisagion at 7 p.m. Sunday at St. Mary's Greek Orthodox Church in Minneapolis.

Arrangements are with Washburn-McReavy Funeral Chapels, 612-377-2203.