Alfred J. Smilgis

WINDHAM -- Alfred J. Smilgis, 82, died Aug. 24, 2008, at his home.

He was born in Cambridge, Mass., Nov. 14, 1925, to Joseph and Anna (Daili) Smilgis. He was raised in Cambridge, lived for 35 years in Arlington, Mass., and the last 16 years in New Hampshire.

Growing up he spent summers on a farm with his aunt, a founding member of the Sisters of Jesus Crucified Order in Pennsylvania, now Brockton, Mass.

He maintained his Lithuanian heritage through his connection to the Order as well as fostering his love of gardening.

He was a U.S. Army Air Corps veteran of World War II, having enlisted at age 17.

He was chief accountant for Priscilla Gowns of Boston. He also worked as a freelance cameraman for the major New York and Boston television networks.

He was a true entrepreneur, owning many businesses throughout his life. He was president of QSI Systems in Woburn, Mass., and Salem. He bred angelfish, greatly enjoyed decorating his home for Christmas, playing bingo and traveling the world.

IN HIS LIFE: He is survived by two daughters, Ann S. DeCaprio and her husband, Douglas, of North Reading, Mass., and Nancy J. Smilgis of North Chelmsford, Mass.; a son, Peter Smilgis of Windham; two grandsons, Adam Smilgis and Michael Smilgis of Londonderry; a brother, Richard Smilgis and his wife, Sally, of Burlington, Mass.; two nephews, Steven Smilgis and Robert Smilgis, as well as many other nieces, nephews, grand-nieces and grand-nephews.

He was predeceased by his wife, Joan F. Smilgis, in 2003.

SERVICES: Visiting hours will be Wednesday from 4 to 8 p.m. in Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Road, Londonderry. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated Thursday at 10 a.m. in St. Mark's Church, corner of South Road and Mammoth Road, Londonderry. Burial will be in Forest Hill Cemetery, Derry.

Memorial donations may be made to CJC Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302.

For more information, go to www.peabodyfuneralhome.com.