Printer Friendly Version - Deep River Celebrates Smitty with Town Hall Dedication

The family of the late Dick “Smitty” Smith gathered for the Nov. 28 ceremony to rename the Deep River Town Hall in his honor. From left are James and Christine Alio with their daughters and Rich Smith. Photo by Michelle Naranjo/The Courier

More than 100 people joined the Deep River selectmen and other officeholders to rename the Town Hall after Richard “Smitty” Smith on Nov. 28. The ceremony was held in the auditorium of what is now the Richard H. Smith Town Hall.

The memorial tribute to the 27-year first selectman could have been a somber affair, but the atmosphere was celebratory as Smitty’s family and friends from all walks of life joined together to dedicate the building to his life and civic service.

Smith served 13 terms as the first selectman and was also a town constable. He passed away in March 2016. A memorial plaque will be mounted on the exterior of the building and a framed dedication with photos of Smith will hang in the entry to the Town Hall.

Local speakers included Deep River First Selectman Angus McDonald and Gina Sopneski, Smith’s long-time assistant and partner in town hall practical jokes. Justin Waz of the Parks & Recreation Commission, sided by Parks & Rec Director Carol Jones, spoke movingly of how Smith had inspired him with his devotion to civic service.

There were tears of pride and happiness from members of Smith’s family. His son Rich Smith and daughter Christine Alio, her husband James, and their two daughters were present to laugh at the amusing stories shared about “Smitty.”

“Even trips to the grocery store can be hard sometimes for me because I hear how much he is missed in Deep River,” said Christine Alio. “But the ceremony was wonderful for my brother and me. We have never been more proud of our dad than that night. The turnout, the contributions the town made toward the plaque—we can’t thank everyone enough.”

The ceremony reflected Smith’s importance beyond Deep River, as well. Attendees included former state representative James Spallone as well as State Representative Robert Siegrist (R-36) and State Senator Art Linares, Jr. (R-33), Secretary of the State Denise Merrill, Chester First Selectman Lauren Gister, and Essex First Selectman Norm Needleman

From left, Jim Olson, Sage Novak, Art Thompson, Christine Alio, and Gina Sopneski pose for photos at the Nov. 28 ceremony to rename Deep River Town Hall in honor of the late Richeard “Smitty” Smith. Photo by Michelle Naranjo/The Courier