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Frederick Smith

Frederick S. “Fred” Smith, 92, a longtime resident of Guilford, passed away at his home at Evergreen Woods in North Branford on March 26, 2024. Fred was the husband of 66 years to the late Barbara (McLeod) Smith, who passed away in January 2022. He is survived by his son Frederick Jr. (Maryanne) of Yardley, Pennsylvania; his daughter Deborah Hathaway (Thomas) of Norwell, Massachusetts; his son Brendan (Susan) of Branford; and his son Patrick (Susanna) of Essex. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Seana, Conor, Elizabeth, Katherine, Kelsea, Rebecca, Nathaniel, Patrick, Delaina, Emmaline, Samuel, and Frederick III “Sam.” Emily Smith predeceased her grandfather in 1988. He also welcomed great-grandchildren Henry, Stowe, Daniel, Gray, and Clara. Fred is also survived by his brother Richard Smith (Marilyn) of Naples, Florida. Fred was predeceased by his brother, John L. Smith Jr., as well as his sisters, Katherine Murphy and Nancy O’Brien.

Fred was born in Jamestown, Rhode Isaland. on Dec. 10, 1931, the third of five children of John L. Smith and Grace Delahunt Smith.

As an islander, Fred rode the ferry to Newport for high school, where he graduated from De La Salle High School. Fred made an effort to time his ferry trips to accompany his future bride. By 14, Fred had his driver’s license in order to work at his father’s commercial greenhouses in Jamestown. While attending URI, Fred obtained his captain’s license and worked for the Jamestown-Newport Ferry.

After graduating from the University of Rhode Island, Fred attended and graduated from the Naval Officer Candidate School in Newport. Fred honorably served his country in the US Navy, serving in both active duty and the reserves through 1981, when he retired as Lieutenant Commander. At the end of his active duty, Fred served as an instructor in the Amphibious Training Command, which convinced him to pursue a career in education. He was a social studies teacher in the Guilford School system for 33 years at the Junior High School and Middle School levels. He returned to school while teaching, earning graduate degrees at UConn. In addition to teaching, Fred was also the Director of the Adult Education Program in Guilford in the 1970s and '80s. He served on the Guilford Pension Committee for many years, finishing as the group’s Chairman.

Fred and Barbara enjoyed a fulfilling retirement together. First and foremost, they enjoyed time with their growing extended family. Known as Papa and Bobbie to their grandchildren, they took an active interest in their grandchildren’s lives, attending many games and events throughout the northeast. They also shared a passion for traveling, visiting all seven continents. While their travels took them to the far reaches of the globe, they always returned to their favorite cities, Paris and London. Fred was also a faithful member of Keyarts Klamberers. These adventurers walked all over New England each Wednesday. Fred especially enjoyed leading the group for its annual Ocean Drive Walk in Newport, where he was also able to show his friends his “hometown.” Fred was also an avid reader and was rarely seen without a newspaper tucked under his arm.

There will be a private Celebration of Life and burial with Military Honors at the St. George Cemetery, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Yale New Haven — Health at Home (Hospice). Arrangements are in care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.