Whitman – Richard T. Smith 66, a 39 year resident of Whitman, died Wednesday June 22 after a courageous battle with Dementia. He was the beloved husband of 43 years to Donna K. (Brown) Smith.
Born in Boston and raised in North Quincy he was the son of the late Patrick and Mary (Willard) Smith and a graduate of North Quincy High. He continued his education earning his Bachelor’s Degree from Boston State College and his Master’s Degree from Anna Marie College.
He was a proud veteran of the United States Marines, and a combat veteran of the Vietnam War having served from 1965-1967. For his service he earned a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge, and a Vietnam Service Medal with 2 stars among others. He was a longtime member of the Whitman VFW Post 697.
Richard had served as a Sergeant on the Whitman Police Department, retiring after 28 years of service to his community.
In addition to his wife Donna he is survived by his loving children Shannon Brew and her husband Dave of East Bridgewater, Robin Calvani and her husband John of Bridgewater, Jennifer Hession and her husband David of Abington, and Jeffrey Smith and his wife Leah of Quincy, his brothers Patrick Smith of Scituate, Daniel Smith of Quincy, Brian Smith of Cocoa Beach, FL, Robert Smith of Reading and Michael Smith of Pembroke, and his sister Deborah Mullen of Gardner. He is also survived by his 9 grandchildren, whom he adored, as well as several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Kathleen Smith.
His services will be held Tuesday June 28 at 8:15 AM from the Blanchard Funeral Chapel Plymouth Street (Rt. 58 at the rotary) Whitman, followed by a funeral mass at 9 AM in the Holy Ghost Church, Whitman. Burial will be at a later date in the Massachusetts VA Cemetery, Bourne. Visiting hours will be held Monday June 27 from 4-8 PM.
Donations in his name may be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, 311 Arsenal Street, Watertown, MA 02472 or to the Whitman VFW Post 697, Box 261 Whitman, MA 02382