Stuart M. Smith

Stuart  M. Smith Orange – Stuart M. “Bud” Smith, 90, of Tully, passed away Tuesday, March 3, 2015 surrounded by his loving family.      He leaves his wife and best friend of 67 years, Emily (Thurlow) Smith; his children, Stuart M. Smith, Jr. and his wife Loraine of Athol, Rodney T. Smith of Orange, Karen G. Dean and her husband David of Orange, Kevin E. Smith of Warwick, Linda E. Olenick and her husband Steve of Hubbardston and Leanne J. Fontaine of Conway.  He also leaves 15 grandchildren and 17 great grandchildren with twins on the way.  He was predeceased by his brother, Gordon C. Smith.      Stuart was born December 24, 1924 in Quincy, MA, the son of the late William Smith of Scotland and Lottie (Cornish) Smith of England.   During his enlistment in the U.S. Navy he and Emily met in 1943 in New Hampshire at Dolly Copp Campground in the White Mountains National Park where both of their families spent most of the summers.  Stuart and Emily were married October 19, 1947 in New Gloucester, ME.   He served from 1943 until 1946 during World War II and took part in the invasion of Normandy aboard the LST 528.        Several years later they relocated to Orange where they worked and raised their family together.  They enjoyed summer vacations at Sebago Lake State Park in Maine and annual trips to Dolly Copp on Columbus Day weekends.  Stuart loved flea marketing, regularly collecting and trading antiques.  They traveled throughout Europe, Alaska, Hawaii and the entire United States.  He was also an avid model airplane enthusiast.  He especially loved attending the Wilmington flea market in Vermont and enjoyed breakfasts at the Chelsea Royal Diner in W. Brattleboro, VT with his sons every father’s day.  Above all, Stuart loved his family and was an inspiration to all and was a dedicated husband and father.        A memorial service and celebration of his life will be held Sunday, March 15, 2015 at 1:00 p.m. at the Community Church of North Orange and Tully with the Rev. Don Erickson, pastor officiating.  A family burial will be in Tully Cemetery in the spring and in lieu of flowers the family suggests contributions in Stuart’s name may be made to the Community Church of North Orange and Tully,  4 Creamery Hill Road, Orange, MA 01364.  Higgins-O’Connor Funeral Home, 146 Main Street, Athol is directing arrangements.  For further information or to share a memory with the family go to: www.higginsoconnorfuneralhome.com.   $(document).ready(function(){ });