WAYLAND: Lawrence O. “Larry” Smith, Sr., 96, died peacefully under the care and comfort of his family on Tuesday, April 30, 2013 following a period of declining health.
He was born in Boston on July 17, 1916 the son of the late Orson A. Smith and Annie (O’Dwyer) Smith.
Larry was the beloved husband for over 40 years of the late Dorothy E. (Dooley) Smith who died in October of 1987. Devoted father of Lawrence O. Smith Jr. and his wife Lisa Smith of Tampa, FL and Vincent J. Smith and his wife Diane M. Smith of Wayland. Also survived by 6 grandchildren, 4 great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews.
Larry has been a resident of Wayland for over 80 years and previously resided in Everett and graduated from Everett High School. He served his country proudly during World War II as a Staff Sergeant with the United States Army Air Corps and was stationed in Newfoundland, Canada. He began his career as an Inspector with the New York – New Haven – Hartford Railroad and continued with Amtrak before his retirement
in 1972 after 40 years of dedicated service. During that time he was also associated with the America Vault Co. in Belmont and designed one of the first concrete burial vaults. He continued for many years with Continental Baking Company in the Hostess and Wonder Bread Division on Speen Street in Natick.
Larry was a longtime and active communicant of St. Zepherins Church and volunteered his time and talent when needed. He was known as “Mr. Fix-it” and enjoyed spending hours at his residence on many projects around his house. He always lent a helping hand to his neighbors and friends. Larry loved the outdoors being on Dudley Pond and enjoying the wildlife that surrounded him. He was devoted to his family and loved spending time with them as they were the center of his life.
Visitations will be held on Friday, May 3, 2013 from 4:00 to 7:00 at the John C. Bryant Funeral Home, 56 Pemberton Rd (Off Rte 30), Cochituate Village, Wayland.
His Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Saturday, May 4, 2013 at 10:00 AM at Good Shepherd Parish at St. Zepherin’s Church, 99 Main St (Rte 27) Wayland.
Interment to follow in the Smith family lot in Lakeview Cemetery in Wayland.
His family desires that memorial gifts in Lawrence’s memory be sent to the MSPCA – Angell Hdqtrs., 350 South Huntington Ave, Boston, MA 02130 and would be greatly appreciated.
For online condolences and directions visit www.johncbryantfuneralhome.com.