SMITH, Douglas "Doug" J.
Douglas "Doug" J. Smith, 48, of Rutland, VT and formerly of East Hartford, passed away unexpectedly on Thursday, July 11, 2013 in Rutland, VT after a brief illness. Born in Hartford on August 13, 1964 he had been a life-long resident of East Hartford prior to moving to Rutland, VT nine months ago. Doug was the loving son of Richard F. Smith, Sr. of East Hartford and the late Elizabeth "Betty" (Tupper) Smith. He was a graduate of East Hartford High School, Class of 1982 and was a talented handy man. He was a loyal fan of the Boston Red Sox and enjoyed NASCAR racing and Modified racing at Stafford Speedway and other local racetracks. Most of all, Doug will be remembered by all who knew him for his dedicated devotion to his brother, Jim. Along with his father, Doug is survived by his companion and best friend, Lisa Pencz of Rutland, VT with whom he made his home, and her son, Dylan Wilcox of Rutland, VT; three brothers, Richard "Rick" F. Smith, Jr. and his wife, Barbara, of Manchester, James "Jim" Smith of Middletown, Brian Smith and his wife, Cheryl, of Manchester; two sisters, Sharon Wood of East Hartford, Sandra "Sandi" Mathiau and her husband, Tom, of East Hartford; eight nieces and nephews; and many dear friends.
At the wish of Douglas, private funeral services and burial will be held at the convenience of the family at St. Mary's Cemetery, East Hartford. There are no calling hours. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Doug's name may be made to the Dana Farber Cancer Institute (Jimmy Fund), P.O. Box 849168, Boston, MA 02284. The D'Esopo-East Hartford Memorial Chapel is assisting the family with funeral arrangements. For on-line expressions of sympathy to the family please visit www.desopo.com.
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Pete Frasca
November 25, 2013
What a huge loss. Though we had lost contact, Doug was one of my best friends in elementary school back in East Hartford, and we remained friendly through graduating high school. He was an outgoing and friendly guy with an easy confidence, sincerity, and humorous low-key personality that allowed him to make friends really easily. He didn't have a bad bone in his body. I ran into him a few times the first several years after high school and he was exactly the same funny and personal guy I knew back in elementary school. He was always helping someone else. I remember back in first grade like it was yesterday, quite seriously, when Doug and I were swinging on a swing set outside our school and Doug taught me how to swing really fast like a race car driver (as he described it) and then jump off the swing mid air -- "like AJ Foyt" -- again as he described it. That was about 1969 or 1970. I didn't even know who AJ Foyt was at the time or anything about racing (and still don't) but his infectious personality and excitement obviously stuck in my head until today. He was a unique and special person. Rest in peace my dude.
Noreen Foley
August 17, 2013
I am so sad to hear of Dougies passing so many memories of him from our childhood days. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
John Downing
August 14, 2013
Very saddened by the passing of Dougie. A constant fixture at our house with my brother, that seems like only yesterday. He will forever be in my thoughts and prayers. My sympathy to the Smith family
ken kaiser
August 14, 2013
my heart goes out to the smith family rip doug
Pete Smith
August 13, 2013
My prayers go out to all my family in Ct. May you rest in peace Dougie!
Carolyn Harvey
August 13, 2013
I will always remember little Dougie and the good times we had living and visiting the family in Conn. My thoughts and prayers to Uncle Dick and the family. Love you All
Dawn Doyle
August 13, 2013
RIP Dougie! So sorry for the family!
mathiau christine
August 12, 2013
To the entire Smith family <3 Our thoughts & prayers go out to U..Doug was a wonderful person who was so full of life & had such a kind hearted soul <3 He will be sadly missed by all who had the pleasure of sharing some good times..R.I.P. Together 4ever now with Betty..
Brian & Cheryl Smith
August 12, 2013
Another sad day. Be at peace Doug you will be missed by all
August 11, 2013
Sorry to hear the sad news of Dougie's passing. Heaven as another angel. Thoughts and prayers are with the Smith Family.
August 11, 2013
To the Smith family I am so sorry for your loss Dougie will always have a special place in my heart may he rest in peace with love Maureen Shuckerow Chiapponi
August 11, 2013
Dougie... Forever in my heart.. My little brother.. Rest In Peace .. Miss and love you Always.. Sandi
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