Douglas Smith, 80
1945 -2025
Lynn
Douglas Clayton Smith, age 80 of Lynn, Massachusetts, passed away on September 25, 2025, in Lynn, MA.
Born January 26, 1945, in Lynn, MA, Doug was the son of the late Joseph Ashworth Smith Sr., and Dorothy April (Barbieri) Smith. He was a lifelong resident of Lynn, Massachusetts.
He is survived by his youngest son Jason Douglas Smith, his wife Jessica, granddaughter Amber Joyce Smith of Lynn, MA, oldest daughter Kimberly Ann Smith of AZ, grandsons Kenton Frey, Simon Frey, Dustin Dunn and Dakota Dunn, of OH, middle daughter Randi Smith Holland and her husband Billy Holland of Jacksonville, FL, grandson Kasey Carrier, granddaughter Veronica Elizabeth Verdini of FL, middle son Jonathan Richmond Smith and granddaughter Jacquelyn Smith of Lynn, MA, granddaughter Morgan Hart of Lynn, MA, daughter-in-law Judith (Wanjiru) Smith, grandchildren Teddy, Shawn, Jayden and Jason of Lynn, MA, sister Jacqueline R. (Smith) Washkewits of Norwood, MA, and many beloved great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins and his cat Rockit.
He is predeceased by his parents, wife Kathleen (Rines) Smith, oldest son Douglas Clayton Smith Jr., youngest daughter Kelly Ann Smith and brother Joseph A. Smith Jr.
He was educated in Lynn, MA, was a Boy Scout in his youth and graduated from Lynn English High School in 1964. Doug was a lifelong firefighter, working on the Arson squad in his later years, which included undercover work that led to significant arrests and identifying what is known as "the match" or the person responsible for starting the fire. Doug was very proud of his work with the Lynn Fire Department and was awarded multiple accommodations. Doug saved many lives and pulled many people from burning buildings. His comrades remark to this day that he was one of the toughest firefighters they ever knew, always leading the charge into a burning building. He was actively involved in fighting the Second Great Lynn Fire in 1981, which was caused by Arson and forced over 600 people to evacuate. Doug was awarded Lynn Firefighter of the Year in 1984.
Doug was a man of many talents; he worked as a carpenter for most of his life in addition to his career as a firefighter. He was also a scuba diver, taking on dangerous contracts requiring submersion in hard-to-reach situations.
Doug loved his family and friends dearly. He was a man who cared for people and worked his entire life helping others. He was actively involved in AA and formed a club called Alnon (not to be confused with Al-a-non) on Monroe St., in Lynn for people in need of a place to go and to simply hang out for support with peers struggling with addiction. It was ahead of its time. He lived a life of constantly attempting to maintain his sobriety and helping others to do the same as well as helping them to understand the impact of addiction. He was a straight shooter and one always knew where they stood with Doug. He knew the pain and wanted people to understand how to forgive, to do the "best you could" for yourself and others - and to let yourself off the hook in terms of guilt and self-punishment. He was loved by many.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Doug's name to the Animal Rescue League in Boston, MA at https://www.arlboston.org.
Visiting Hours will be held in the Cuffe-McGuinn Funeral Home, Lynn, on Monday 10/6/25 from 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends are invited. An 11:00 am service in the funeral home on Weds. 10/7/25 will be followed by Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, MA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cuffemcginn.com for the family.
Service Information: Visiting Hours will be held in the Cuffe-McGuinn Funeral Home, Lynn, on Monday 10/6/25 from 4-7 PM. Relatives and friends are invited. An 11:00 am service in the funeral home on Weds. 10/7/25 will be followed by Interment at Pine Grove Cemetery in Lynn, MA.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.cuffemcginn.com for the family.