Stanley C. Smith

Tolland, CT – Stanley C. Smith, 88, passed away peacefully Wednesday, Feb 25, 2026, after a life well-lived. He was the loving husband of wife Jeanne for over six decades. Born in Putnam, CT, he was the son of Clifford and Gladys Smith.

Stan grew up in the 1940/50s in the era of the Great Depression and World War II. He enjoyed a classic childhood with his brother Norman, and many friends, spent running around on iconic Main Street, Danielson and exploring the banks of the Quinebaug River located behind his house. Life as a kid was straight from a Norman Rockwell painting. He graduated from Killingly High School in 1955 and Putnam Technical School as an electrician, soon after.

As a young man, Stan enjoyed hunting and fishing and was an expert marksman during his service in the Connecticut National Guard. He also studied and practiced classical piano but preferred the boogie-woogie style of early rock n roll. Stan could also play a tune on the trumpet and neighbors on Dockerel Road came to expect his playing of "Taps" on New Year's Eve. His job, straight out of tech school, was at the Electric Boat shipyard where he was the first to set foot upon on the submarine USS Nautilus following its historic voyage under the polar ice (he connected the telephone line immediately after it docked). Stan landed the job at Pratt & Whitney Aircraft that would last 40 years and propel his family into the heyday of the American middle class. Stan was very proud of his work at "Pratt" and enjoyed the friendships of his fellow workers.

His friends Bob and Roy introduced him to Jeanne. He immediately knew "she is the one!" They married and bought their forever-home in Tolland where they raised their two sons. Stan enjoyed fishing, golfing, collecting antique gas station signs and traveling.

Stan is survived by his loving wife Jeanne, sons Andy (Patty) and Matt (Margaret), brother Norm (Betty) and sister-in-law, Debra as well as many cousins, nieces, and nephews. Stan frequently proclaimed "I'm very proud of my grandchildren!": Aaron, Ashley, Emma and Justin. Stan was predeceased by his niece, Linda, daughter-in-law, Shelley, Brother-in-law, Warren and many, many friends.

Stan's family will host a memorial in approximately 2 months in the Vernon, CT area. To receive news on the memorial, please email the family at stansmithmemorial@gmail.com.