Robert P. Smith

1940 - 2024

Robert P. Smith, age 84, of Norton, passed away peacefully, surrounded by his loving family on Sunday, November 24, 2024 at the Morton Hospital in Taunton. He was the beloved husband of Joan (Hanley) Smith, to whom he was wed for fifty-seven years.

Born in Attleboro, MA on May 23, 1940, he was a loving son of the late Fred A. and Ellen M. (Donahue) Smith.

As a child, Bob grew up in Attleboro and spent summers on Lake Winnecunnet in Norton. In his sophomore year of high school, the Smiths moved to Norton and Bob graduated from Norton High School in 1958. After proudly serving his country as a member of the United States Air Force, Bob returned to his studies and in 1968, graduated from Bridgewater State College with a Bachelor's Degree in Education. He later received his Master's Degree in Education, also from Bridgewater State College and his CAGS Degree in Education from Rhode Island College. While at Bridgewater State College, Bob was a member of Kappa Delta Phi Fraternity.

Bob's 30-year career as an educator began as a 6th grade teacher in North Attleboro and culminated as a Principal in Norfolk, MA. Throughout his education years, he also served the communities of Norton, Wheaton College, Westport, MA and Ferrisburgh, VT.

A communicant of Saint Mary's Church in Norton, where Bob was a member of the Knights of Columbus, Council #11690. His family was the center of his life and he very much enjoyed teaching his love for the game of cribbage to his children and grandchildren or spending time watching New England sports. Bob enjoyed traveling, camping, golfing, skiing, maintaining his beautiful yard and wintering in Fort Myers, Florida. Bob also enjoyed dancing, from a young age in recitals with his sister Marion to gliding effortlessly across the dance floor with the love of his life, Joan in his arms.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by his devoted children, Jennifer Morabito and her husband Mark of Norton, Christopher Smith of North Carolina, Dana Smith and his wife Megan of Norton and Julie Pembroke and her husband Shawn of Attleboro. He was the cherished and proud grandpop of Amber, Brandon, Brady, Ryan, Christa, Bree, Logan, Sarah, Bailee and Shaelyn and the great grandpop of Kadence, Karlie, Karoline and Kristopher. He was the dear brother of Marion Dennen of Florida and the late William Smith, Sr. and the late Patricia Betts. He was the much-loved brother-in-law of Larry John Hanley, Lois Hanley and Marilyn Smith and is also survived by his loving nieces, nephews and cousins.

Relatives and friends are cordially invited to attend visiting hours on Friday, December 6th from 3:00-7:00 P.M. at the Norton Memorial Funeral Home, 19 Clapp Street (Off Route 140, Taunton Avenue) Norton.

His Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, December 7th at 10:00 A.M. in Saint Mary's Church, 1 Power Street, Norton. Burial, accompanied by military honors, will follow at Saint John's Cemetery in Attleboro.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Robert's memory may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 320 Nevada Street, Suite 201, Newton, MA 02460.

To send his family a message of condolence, please visit www.nortonmemorial.com