Robert Smith

Robert E. Smith, 78

WORCESTER - Robert E. Smith, 78, of Worcester, died Wednesday, February 3, 2016, at Saint Vincent Hospital after being stricken ill at home.

He leaves his wife and best friend of 53 years, Maureen C. (Welch) Smith; a son, Robert Smith and his wife Patricia of Westborough; four daughters, Kelly J. Thompson and her husband Michael of Rocky Hill, Conn., Kathy Rivers and her husband Michael of Worcester, Maureen A. Rosenlund and her husband Eric of Whitinsville, and Carolyn Vaccaro and her husband Tony of Millbury; and 11 grandchildren, Kayla Harrington, Meghan and Emily Thompson, Alicia, Samantha and Michael Rivers, Cortney, Sean and Patrick Rosenlund, and Antonio and Tyler Vaccaro.

Robert was born in Worcester, son of Edmond Smith and Mary (Stamper) Smith French. He lived in Worcester all his life and was a graduate of Commerce High School.

Robert was a press operator at the Grafton plant of the Wyman-Gordon Co., where he worked for 35 years, retiring in 1995.

Bob had two great interests in his life, his family and sports. He was a loyal fan of the New York Giants and the Boston Red Sox. He coached baseball in the Jack Barry and Tom Ash little leagues for many years. He was also a devotee of the sporting games found at casinos and an insightful analyst of the talent of racing thoroughbreds.

Most important to Bob was his family. He was a loving husband, father and grandfather. He adored his wife Moe. His love for family extended to his sons-in-law and daughter-in-law. When he could cheer on his grandchildren playing sports, he found the perfect and most joyful combination of his interests.

Calling hours are Monday, February 8, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Athy Memorial Home, 111 Lancaster St., Worcester. The funeral will be Tuesday, February 9, from the funeral home with a Mass at 10 a.m. in St. Stephen's Church, 357 Grafton St., Worcester. Burial will be in St. John's Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations to the Shriners Hospital for Children, 516 Carew St., Springfield, MA 01104, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38103.