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Gloria Smith

On May 19, 2024, Gloria (D’Amico) Smith, 96, a lifetime resident of Guilford, passed away peacefully at home surrounded by her loving family. Gloria was the wife of the late Allan Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran, originally from Machias, Maine. She met him at the Guilford Pharmacy breakfast counter where she first worked. They had eyes for each other, and one day, there was a spirited debate about whether he could dance or she could bowl. The rest is history, as she and Allan were married for an adventurous 66 years.

Gloria was born in Guilford on Oct. 30, 1927, the daughter of the late Vincenzo D’Amico and Amelia (D’Antonio) D’Amico, who immigrated from Italy. She was the proud and loving mother of the late Gary Allan Smith, who had a lengthy and successful career at Sikorsky Aircraft.

She is survived by her older brother, Nick D’Amico, 102, of Studio City, California. Gloria was predeceased by five brothers: Norman, Victor, William, Louis, and Joseph D’Amico Jr. and a sister, Rose D’Amico Bargnesi. She leaves a legacy of many beloved nieces and nephews of both the D’Amico and Smith families.

Gloria is a 1946 graduate of Guilford High School. Her class yearbook memorializes her as “Happy-go-lucky, always agreeable, and never misses a dance or a party.” She always dressed for the occasion! Before retirement, she was a devoted employee at Guilford Pharmacy for over 30 years. She was featured in a 1976 Shoreline Times article (by Mabel Dale), which described “Gloria, Glo or Glorious” as the Mayor of Guilford. Presiding over the pharmacy fountain, she dispensed refreshments, advice, friendship, and cheer. “I love just peoples” (plural, as in humanity) was her credo. The article suggested, “J.M. Barrie would have loved her, and George Bernard Shaw might have written a play about her.” Her many loyal customers thought she should have a television career.

After the pharmacy closed, Gloria went on to work for the Madison School system for an additional 25 years, serving thousands of children and making many dear friends. She enjoyed golf, travel and leisure, parties, dancing, a good casino, great food, cooking, entertaining, and afternoon cocktails. Gloria was the light of any room she was in. She had an energy that was unsinkable and so very genuine. Most of all, she loved her family with Italian fierceness! A light this bright never goes out.

The family extends its gratitude to the Elizabeth Home Health Agency of Clinton, Yale-New Haven Hospital Hospice Services, and Monsignor James Shanley of the Archdiocese of Hartford.

Friends and family are invited to Mass of Christian burial, which will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Saturday, July 13, at St. George Church, 33 Whitfield Street, Guilford. Burial will follow in Alder Brook Cemetery, 375 Boston Street, Guilford. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Guilford Food Bank. 45 Stone House Lane, Guilford, Connecticut. 06437. Arrangements are in the care of the Guilford Funeral Home, 115 Church Street, Guilford. To share a memory or leave condolences, visit www.guilfordfuneralhome.com.