Fred D. Smith

Fred D. Smith, 78, of the Plantsville section of Southington, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, December 17, 2025 at HOCC at New Britain. He was the loving husband and best friend of Joanne (Cyr) Smith for 58 years.

Fred was born on January 24, 1947 in Meriden, CT. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army as a Medic during the Vietnam War. Fred attended Wilcox Technical School where he studied drafting to be a tool designer. He was a tool maker by trade and worked for many area machine shops. In 1980, he founded Micro Insert Inc. and worked alongside his sons in the business for many years before retiring in 2012.

In his youth, Fred was a professional roller skater and participated in numerous couples competitions. He enjoyed going to the casino, fishing, home improvement projects, camping and trips to the East Wall in Rhode Island and Lenny & Joes - all with Joanne by his side. He was also a longtime member of the CB Club in Southington where he was known as “Freddie the Frog.”

In addition to his wife Joanne, Fred is survived by three children: daughter, Tammy Miller and husband John; son, Keith Smith and wife Christine and Jeremy Smith and wife Amber, all of Southington; seven grandchildren; Christina Hero (Jay), Matthew Smith, Leah Theriault, Megan Smith, Ryan Smith, Jaylinn Najam and Tyler Smith; three bonus granddaughters; Sarah McDonnell (Jason), Katherine Miller (Michael Specht) and Josie Najam (Isaiah Rivera) and five great-grandchildren. Fred is also survived by a brother, Christopher Colt of Wallingford, his beloved Blue Quaker Parrot, Bluey, many in-laws, nieces and nephews.  Fred was predeceased by his father, Fred T. Smith and his longtime companion, Carolyn Hillier.

A funeral service will be celebrated at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 23, 2025 at the Zion Lutheran Church, 531 Woodruff St., Southington. Military honors will immediately follow. Calling hours will be held from 4 – 7 p.m. on Monday, December 22, 2025 at the Plantsville Funeral Home, 975 S. Main St., Plantsville. For online condolences and directions, please visit www.plantsvillefuneralhome.com.