Ronald Francis Smith Sr.

Ronald Francis Smith, Sr., age 79 of Danbury, passed away on June 12th, 2011 at The Kent Specialty Care Center, Kent. He leaves behind his wife of 56 years, Marion Zuzalock Smith. Ronald and his twin brother Donald J. were born on November 9th 1931 in Glen Ridge, N.J. to Frank and Margaret Fahey Smith. The twins were raised along with their brother Kenneth W. in Bloomfield, N.J. Upon graduation from Bloomfield High School, Ron enlisted with his brother Don in the United States Navy, serving almost four years during the Korean War. Ron was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for heroic achievement while aboard the U.S.S. Philippine Sea. Ron met Marion at the University of Connecticut and graduated from the University of Bridgeport with a Bachelor's Degree in History. Ron worked for the Southern New England Telephone Company for 30 years as an internal auditor and safety supervisor. His varied interests included a life-long love of music, leading him to a career with his brother Don in music management. They managed the local quartet "The Highlights" as well as the New Jersey girl group "The Angels". A member of the Democratic Party, Ron served on the Danbury Common Council for several years. Ron was assistant coach for his son's Castro Convertible Little League team and a member of the St. Nicholas Byzantine Catholic Church and its "Golden Dome Bakers". In addition to his wife Marion, Ronald is survived by his brother Kenneth W. of Greenwich Village, NY; daughter Karen M. and Anton Luttenberger of Great Barrington, MA; son Ronald F. Jr. and his wife Rebecca of Sherman Oaks, CA; daughter Wendy A. of Santa Monica, CA; and mother-in-law Florence W. Zuzalock, age 101. Grandchildren are Aaron and Eli Luttenberger; Molly, Dakota and Sasha Smith; and great granddaughter Harlow. The Divine Funeral Liturgy will be held on Friday June 17th, 10am in St. Nicholas Byzantine Church, 13 Pembroke Road, Danbury, CT with the Rev. John Cigan officiating. Burial will follow in St. Peter Cemetery, Danbury. The family will receive friends on Thursday, June 16th from 5-8pm at Jowdy-Kane Funeral Home, 9-11 Granville Avenue, Danbury. The Parastas service will be conducted in the funeral home on Thursday evening at 7:30 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations in Ronald's memory and honor can be made to Disabled American Veterans, P.O. Box 14301, Cincinnati, OH 45250 or St. Nicholas Byzantine Church of Danbury.