Obituary of Richard H. Smith

Richard H. "Smitty" Smith, 65, died suddenly at home on Friday, March 25, 2016. Son of the late Howard and Florence (Kaiser) Smith. He was the loving father of Christine Alio and her husband James and Richard Smith all of Deep River, devoted grandfather of Madison, Mia, Samantha, Michael John, Mathew and the late Carter. Smitty is also survived by his siblings Lois Romano of Dallas, TX, Patricia Laboard of West Palm Beach, FL, Robert Smith of Port St. Lucie, FL and P.J. Oates of Georgia. In addition to his parents and grandson, Dick was predeceased by the mother of his children and best friend Carol (LaMark) Smith. Dick graduated from the Municipal Police Training Academy in 1973 and became a Constable in Deep River. He was a member of the town Democratic Committee, elected First Selectman of Deep River in 1989 and has held that office for the past 26 years until his sudden passing on Good Friday. In a statement issued by the Town Hall " the Town of Deep River has suffered a terrible loss in the passing of First Selectman Dick Smith. The town has lost a leader of over 26 years, the community has lost a friend, and we are saddened beyond words, but our immediate thoughts are with Dick's family, who lost a father and grandfather. Please keep them in your thoughts and prayers." Visitation will be on Tuesday, March 29th from 5-8pm at the Deep River Town Hall. Dick's Mass of Christian Burial will be on Wednesday, March 30th at St. Joseph's Church in Chester at 11am. Interment will follow at the parish cemetery. Donations in Dick's name may be made to either the Deep River Ambulance or the Deep River Fire Dept. To share a memory or condolence of Smitty please visit www.rwwfh.com. Arrangements by Robinson, Wright & Weymer Funeral Home, Centerbrook.