Donald H. Smith, Sr, Newtown Civic Leader, Dies In Fla.

Donald H. Smith, Sr, 76, died unexpectedly at his home in Fruitland Park, Florida, on Tuesday, March 28. He was the husband of Elizabeth H. Smith.

The son of the late Horace and Hazel Smith, he was born and raised in Newtown. He was hired by the State of Connecticut, Department of Agriculture, in 1947, and served as a dairy inspector for 32 years, retiring in 1979.

Mr Smith’s personal life was filled with service to the Town of Newtown and its citizens. He was a founder of the local Little League, a Neighborhood Boy Scout Commissioner, a trustee of the Newtown Cemetery Association, past President of the Newtown Rotary Club, trustee of Newtown Meals on Wheels, member of the Newtown Legislative Council, member of the Route 25 Study Commission, and member of the Charter Revision Commission.

Mr Smith was also a member and former deacon and trustee for the Newtown Congregational Church. He was a member of the Hiram Lodge #18 AF&AM of Sandy Hook, CT, and member of the Ocala Shrine Club in Ocala, Florida.

Following his retirement in 1979, he traveled extensively with his wife, crisscrossing the country several times in their motor home. He was a director of the Family Motor Coach Association. He also enjoyed spending time at his family’s summer home in Maidstone, Vermont.

In addition to his wife, Betty, he is survived by his daughter, Cynthia Simon of Newtown; son, Donald H. Smith, Jr, of Meriden; granddaughters Heather and Kimberly Curtis of Newtown; and grandsons Adam and Benjamin Smith of Meriden. He is also survived by a brother, Horace A. Smith of Tucson, Arizona, and a sister, Frances Perry of Newburgh, Maine.

A memorial service will be held in Newtown at a date to be announced.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Cancer Research Institute, 1225 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10128.

The Newtown Bee         March 31, 2000