Charles Alexander "ACE" SMITH

SMITH, Charles Alexander "ACE"


Charles Alexander "ACE" Smith, 81 of South Windsor, beloved husband of Dorothy L. Smith for 54 years, died peacefully on Tuesday, (November 12, 2013), at Rockville General Hospital surrounded in love by his family. Charles was born January 1, 1932, the first baby born in Hartford Hospital 5-minutes after midnight. He attended local schools and was a 1950 graduate of Bulkeley High School. He furthered his education with a BA degree in mathematics from the University of Connecticut, where he was member of Delta Sigma fraternity and ROTC. He was a U.S. Air Force veteran of the Korean War where he was a member of Strategic Air Command and achieved the rank of Major. He obtained his degree in meteorology from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), while in the Air Force, and was the meteorologist aboard the first mid-air refueling operation. Upon discharge, he went to work for NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) where he eventually became Hydrologist-In-Charge of the New England and New York region (one of only 15 individuals in the U.S. to hold this position). During this time period he obtained an additional degree in computer science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI). During the 1970's, his love of education continued and he taught evening classes in mathematics at Manchester Community College. After his retirement from public service in 1992, he went on to volunteer his time for AARP performing income tax preparation for senior citizens. Additionally, he volunteered his time at Foodshare, Friends of South Windsor Public library, serving as membership chairman. He was an auxiliary member of the South Windsor Police Department, and assisted his wife at WFSB Channel 3's "Three On Your Side" hotline. In addition to his loving wife, he will be greatly missed by his son, Blair and his wife Rhonda of South Windsor; his grandchildren Justin and Joshua. He was predeceased by his daughter, Dana. His favorite hobbies were his grandchildren, duplicate bridge and world travel with his wife, and has visited all continents except Antarctica. He also loved sports; particularly tennis and UConn basketball. He attended all of his grandchildren's sports activities and was especially proud of their tennis and basketball accomplishments. Charles loved his family and was devoted to their happiness. Charles had an engaging smile, a fun-loving personality and an eagerness to help that endeared him to others. He will be sorely missed. The Smith family wishes to thank the physicians and staff at Rockville General Hospital and North Central Hospice Care for making the last days of his life as comfortable as possible.
A Mass of Christian will be celebrated, Saturday Nov 16 at 10 a.m. at St. Margaret Mary Church, 80 Hayes Road, South Windsor. Burial with military honors will follow at Mount St. Benedict Cemetery, Bloomfield. His family will receive friends, Friday Nov 15 from 4-7 p.m. at the Samsel & Carmon Funeral Home, 419 Buckland Road, South Windsor. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to FoodShare, 450 Woodland Ave., Bloomfield, CT 06002. For online expressions of sympathy, please visit us at www.carmonfuneralhome.com