Groton - Paul Richard Smith, 82, of Groton, passed away Dec. 24, 2024. Paul was born Nov. 13, 1942, in Providence, R.I., to the late Ruth and George Smith.

Paul graduated from Sarasota High in 1961, and was a very talented artist, enrolling in various drafting courses to hone his skills. He later became a structural designer at General Dynamics Electric Boat in Groton, retiring after 53 and a half years of service. Paul loved his job and the people he worked with. He was known for being hard working, personable, witty, funny and caring. During his time at Electric Boat, he served in the union as a counselor where he gained the reputation of someone that you could always go to when in need of good advice. During his retirement, he enjoyed spending time with his family, meeting up with friends at Sneekers Cafe in Groton, and going on drives in his Corvette.

He is survived by his wife Sharon whom he was happily married to for 43 years; his two sisters, Candice and Nancy (and her husband Alan); his three children, Daryl (and his fiancée Stephanie), Dannika (and her husband Justin) and Sean (and his wife Crystal-Rose); grandchild Rosalie; along with many extended family members and friends who knew him as "Smitty," and will all miss him dearly.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Diabetes Association. Funeral service will be scheduled for a later date. Please visit Woyaszandson.com to leave a message of condolence.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Day on Jan. 4, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Paul Smith

Sponsored by Woyasz & Son Funeral Service - Norwich.

7 Entries

Gary Park

January 7, 2025

To the Smith family, I´m sorry for your loss of Paul. I started working with Paul in 1973, fond memories of Paul back in those days, always a smile and a joke to tell. RIP Paul.

Bob Canova

January 6, 2025

Sharon,

Condolences to you and your family.

It saddened Carol and I to hear of Smitty´s passing. Having worked with him as union representatives for almost 35 years before he retired from EB, he was just a very caring and honorable person. He could always find the humor in any situation. He was a pleasure to work with and even more fun to play with outside of work.

I remember several trips out in the boat to the Bluffs with Paul and Dave Bliven. One time getting stuck out on the flats at low tide. Didn´t phase Smitty in the least...I remember, he turned to Dave and said, "Oh boy...Well it´s a good thing we brought a few extra beers!".

I´m sure you and the kids will miss him. I suggest whenever you do, take a moment to think of something humorous that involved him over the years (I´m sure there were some) and let those memories get you through the moment of sadness. Then say a little prayer for him. That is what I will be doing too.

Take care,
Bob & Carol Canova

Dave Fairmsn

January 4, 2025

Rest in peace thanks for your service

Darlene McCarthy

January 2, 2025

Sharon, we were so sorry to hear of Paul´s passing.
Please know that you and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
Paul always brought a smile to our faces.
Darlene and Kevin

Ed Kohl

January 2, 2025

To the Smith Family, I am so sorry to hear of Paul´s passing, I worked with Paul for over 20 years at EB. We worked many jobs together and had many laughs along the way. When Paul retired, not only did he leave work, but he also left this awesome window seat overlooking the Thames River, now I´m lucky enough to sit in the same seat as Paul with this awesome view. Thanks for all the great times.
Rest in Peace Paul,
Your friend Ed Kohl

Bob Gamache

January 2, 2025

My condolence to Sharon and Family. I worked very closely with Smitty on Union issues and daily issues. As a Councilor,Smitty was my Grievance Rep and taught me countless things and I felt priviledged to consider him a friend as did many. He was all that his obit said and more. He will be missed by all who knew him. RIP Smitty.

William Giustini

January 1, 2025

Paul "Smitty" Smith was always a good source of information as an MDA-UAW Grievance Representative and Trustee. I went to Paul many times over the years as an MDA Union Official from the time we were young and when we got old for his experience and skills as he was easy to talk with and also had a sense of humor. Thank You Smitty , RIP -Bill Giustini/ Retired MDA-UAw First VP

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