Robert Smith
Deceased

Deceased 2010

Bob Smith graduated from Worcester Polytechnic Institute in 1969. It will not surprise those of us who knew him for his sailing prowess on Lake Massapoag, that he was in Navy ROTC while at WPI, was commissioned at graduation and went on to serve on the USS Coral Sea (a Midway class aircraft carrier) off the coast of Vietnam where he was a Lieutenant. After his Navy service, he returned to Boston and received a graduate degree from MIT. In 1974, he and Joan were married and moved to Plainfield where Bob began his career with a small company as a metallurgist. After a few years they moved to North Attleboro and Bob commenced what would become his life's work as a metallurgist for Gillette.

Bob and Joan did not have any children of their own, but Joan who grew up in Canton, taught Middle School English there for more than 23 years. She is retired now, but still speaks fondly of the many children that she taught. Joan recalls that the two of them loved to travel and for most of their 36 year marriage, went all over the world together.

Joan asked that we remember Bob as both intelligent and kind. She told several stories of his willingness to go out of his way to help other people. She said that after they married he did not do much more sailing, but always had a great love of the ocean and a desire to see as much of the world as he could.

Bob's older sister Janet (several years ahead of us at SHS, who is also deceased) was married for many years to Robert Driscoll who recalls that Bob was a genuinely good person. He too recalled Bob's affection for his Town class sailboat and his exploits racing at the Massapoag Yacht Club.

We salute Bob not only for his service, but as the kind person that his wife and family knew and loved.