Alfred J. Smilgis, 82, of Windham, NH, died Sunday, August 24, 2008 at his home. Mr. Smilgis was born in Cambridge, MA on November 14, 1925, a son of the late Joseph and Anna (Daili) Smilgis. He was a resident of New Hampshire for the past 16 years, formerly living in Arlington, MA for 35 years and had been raised in Cambridge, MA. Growing up he spent summers on a farm with his aunt, a founding member of the Sisters of Jesus Crucified Order in Pennsylvania, now Brockton, MA. He maintained his Lithuanian heritage through his connection to the Order as well as fostered his love of gardening. Mr. Smilgis was a WWII Army Air Corps veteran, having enlisted while still 17. Following the war, he became chief accountant for Priscilla Gowns of Boston. He also worked as a freelance cameraman for the major New York and Boston television networks. Mr. Smilgis was a true entrepreneur, owning many businesses throughout his life. He was President of QSI Systems in Woburn, MA and Salem, NH. He bred angelfish, greatly enjoyed decorating his home for Christmas, playing bingo and traveling the world.
He is survived by two daughters, Ann S. DeCaprio and her husband Douglas of North Reading, MA, Nancy J. Smilgis of North Chelmsford, MA, a son, Peter Smilgis of Windham, two grandsons, Adam and Michael Smilgis of Londonderry, NH, a brother, Richard Smilgis and his wife Sally of Burlington, MA, two nephews, Steven and Robert Smilgis as well as many other nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews. He was predeceased by his wife, Joan F. Smilgis in 2003.
Visiting hours were held 4-8pm Wednesday, August 27, 2008 in the Peabody Funeral Homes and Crematorium, 290 Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated 10:00am Thursday in St. Mark's Church, corner of South Rd. and Mammoth Rd., Londonderry. The burial was in Forest Hill Cemetery, Derry, NH. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to CJC Our Lady of Sorrows Convent, 261 Thatcher St., Brockton, MA 02302.