Donald J. Smith

Donald J. Smith, 88, of Bolton, passed away on Monday, November 24, 2025, at Manchester Memorial Hospital with his family by his side. Born on September 4, 1937, in New York, he was the son of the late Fletcher Smith and Ruth (Frantzen) Smith. Donald shared 53 years of marriage with his wife, Helen, before her death on July 27,2019.

Shortly after graduating high school, Donald proudly served our nation by enlisting in the United States Navy. Following his honorable discharge, he built a dedicated career as a sheet metal worker.

Donald was an avid golfer and a talented pool player. In his younger years, he loved spending time outdoors, especially fishing and hunting—pursuits that brought him great peace and joy. When his children were young, they spent many summers camping at Old Orchard Beach.

He is survived by his sister Barbara Merbler of Morristown, TN; children: Michael Avens of Manchester and his former wife Linda of Columbia; Charlie Avens of Bolton; Dale Smith and his partner Jack Moriarty of Glastonbury; and David Smith and his wife Deborah of Colchester. He also leaves behind his beloved grandchildren—Donald III, Michael Jr. and his wife Becky, Kevin and his significant other, Morgan, Jessica and her husband, Sean, Amanda and her husband, Giuseppe, and Ryan and his significant other, Alexis—and great-grandchildren Aspen, Elena, Hadley, Haley, Wyatt, Taylor, Sienna, and Mason, as well as numerous extended family members and friends who will cherish his memory.

He was predeceased by his parents, his brother-in-law, Ernest Merbler, his niece, Melissa Iaconetti, his great-granddaughter, Alexa, and his sons, Dennis and Donald Jr.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 2, 2025, from 10:00 to 11:00 AM at the Holmes-Watkins Funeral Home 400 Main Street, Manchester, CT followed by a chapel service at the funeral home at 11:00 AM. Burial will be private in East Cemetery, Manchester. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Donald’s name may be made to the Bolton Scholarship Fund c/o Bolton High School, 72 Brandy St., Bolton, CT 06043. To leave an online message of condolence for his family, please visit www.holmeswatkins.com