Smithy, George B. M.D., passed away March 6, 2014, at the age of 92 years. Beloved husband of Ruth (Sullivan) of 67 years. Loving father of George, and his wife, Cynthia, William, and his wife, Andrea and Thomas, and his wife, Dale. Proud grandfather of Peter, Claire, James, Kristina, Elizabeth, Gretchen and Sarah. He is also survived by nieces, nephews and a host of others whose lives he touched personally and professionally. Preceded in death by his brother, Thomas and sister, Crystal.
George was an avid swimmer, achieving All-American at Roosevelt High School in New York City, swam for the varsity at Columbia College and remained an active swimmer well into his 80’s. After Columbia, he studied at New York Medical College and was a practicing general surgeon for over 40 years.
During World War II he was a Lieutenant stationed at Charlestown Navy Yard, where he met his lifelong mate, Ruth. He was a fellow of the American College of Physician Executives and The American College of Surgeons. He practiced general surgery at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital, New England Baptist, Brooks, Cambridge City and Mount Auburn Hospitals. Later in his career, he enrolled at The Harvard School of Public Health and received his masters degree. He served as the Medical Director of the Chelsea Soldiers Home for many years and was secretary of the Massachusetts Medical Society. George also was an Assistant Professor at Tufts University Medical School and a Clinical Instructor at Harvard Medical School. Dr. Smithy was a devoted and dedicated surgeon to the many patients he served, and a warm and caring colleague to the many doctors and nurses with whom he worked. George enjoyed a good joke and seemed to have especially fond memories of the tireless, dedicated nuns with whom he worked at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital. At home, he was a family man who enjoyed swimming, sailing, gardening and tinkering around the house. He always seemed to be searching for something to build or repair. He especially enjoyed family gatherings with his grandchildren at their cottage on Big Sandy Pond and was most comfortable and satisfied when surrounded by his children and grandchildren, who will surely miss him.
Funeral from the Robert J. Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home, 1803 Centre St. WEST ROXBURY on Monday March 10, at 9:00 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated in The Holy Name Church at 10:00 AM. Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
Visiting hours in the funeral home Sunday March 9, from 6:00 to 8:00 PM.
Interment St. Joseph Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Joslin Diabetes Center and The National Multiple Sclerosis Society.
www.lawlerfuneralhome.com
Lawler & Crosby Funeral Home
617-323-5600