Obituary of Charles R. Smith

"Charles R. Smith, Sr., 80, of S. Main Street, died Monday at Umass Medical Center, Worcester. Born in Hartford, CT, April 1, 1925, he was the son of the late Russell and Lillie (Allen) Smith. Charlie has lived in Palmer since 1950 and was an Army Veteran of WWII. He was a member of the American Legion Post 130 in Palmer and retired from Monson Developmental Center in 1987 after 25 years. He will be deeply missed by his wife of 55 years, Alice (Salsbury) Smith, along with his eight children, Nancy Spencer of E. Hartford, CT, Linda Williams, Joanne Smith both of Springfield, Jane Smith of Palmer, Mary Witherspoon of Southbridge, David Smith of Three Rivers, Joy Smith of Amherst, and Debra Smith of Holyoke. He also leaves a sister Annie Tilley and brother Ben both of CT as well as his 12 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren and many nieces and nephews. Along with his parents, he was predeceased by his son Chuck in 2001. A funeral service celebrating his life will be on Friday, June 10 at 11:00 a.m. at the Beers & Story Palmer Funeral Home, 1475 N. Main St, followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery, Monson. A calling hour will be held on Friday preceding the service from 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. "