Charles J. Smith

CONCORD -- Charles J. Smith, 88, died June 29, 2008, at Lakes Region General Hospital, Laconia.

He was born June 30, 1919, in Newark, N.J. He was a resident of Concord for the past four years, previously living in Massachusetts.

He was accepted into Juilliard School of Music in New York.

As a young man he toured with the original Broadway cast of Porgy and Bess. When the show closed he went on to audition as a percussionist with the Boston Symphony Orchestra and was accepted. In the summer, the symphony performed in Tanglewood. For over 50 years, he performed with the Symphony and travelled worldwide, where he met many other musicians from all over the world.

He spent many years teaching at Boston University. At age 70, he retired and moved to New Hampshire to be closer to his family. He also played with the Boston Pops and was well known as the musician who played the typewriter piece.

Family members include; his wife of 62 years, Josephine (Paladino) Smith, of Concord; three daughters, Joanne Mallove, of Bow, Diane Lipowski of Massachusetts, and Suzanne Howard of Mendham, N.J.; six grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.

SERVICES: A memorial gathering will be Wednesday from 9 to 10 a.m. at Phaneuf Funeral Home, 243 Hanover St., corner of Union Street, Manchester. A memorial service will be in the funeral home chapel at 10 a.m.

Memorial donations may be made to The Alzheimer's Association, 1 Bedford Farms Drive, Suite 105, Bedford 03110.

Arrangements are under the direction of Phaneuf Funeral Homes and Crematorium, Manchester.