Robert Edward Smith

Robert E. Smith, 86, of Boston, MA, passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Bluffton, SC on August 18, 2024. Born December 22, 1937, in Boston, Massachusetts, Bob was the son of the late Albert G. Smith and Anastacia A. (Zezuskia) Smith. Bob spent his formative years in Medford, Massachusetts and was a 1955 graduate of Medford High School. In September of that same year he enlisted in the United States Navy and sailed aboard the USS Remey DD 688. His experiences in the Navy instilled a strong sense of camaraderie and a love for world travel. He was proud of his time in the Navy and loved to share many stories about those years.

After his service in the Navy, he met and married the love of his life Maria Grace (Pieroni) Smith on May 4th and they started a family together. Bob turned his many skills and passions into a successful career by opening his own machine shops throughout the years (Century Machine, Century Reproductions and Geometric Engineering). Bob worked steadfastly to help support his family and even attended night classes at Northeastern University to further his education while running his first company. Bob was a lifelong learner and encouraged others to seek knowledge; whether through traditional education or on their own terms. His entrepreneurial spirit encouraged his granddaughter to start her own business.

Throughout his long life he acquired many hobbies; including but not limited to skydiving, swimming, reading, cards, crossword puzzles but most importantly golf. His love of golf knew no bounds (he loved a pun!). He even commissioned a putting green in his backyard in North Andover, MA. He was a proud member of Meadow Brook Golf Club in Reading, MA for many years and in his golden years he was an active member of the Rangers Golf League in Bluffton, SC.

Bob will be deeply missed by his wife of 67 years, Maria Grace, his brother Richard Smith and his wife Janice Smith, his sons, John Paul Smith, Michael Smith, and Ralph Smith; his daughter, Theresa Smith and her husband James Parks; his 5 grandchildren, Britney Smith, Jordan Smith, Evan Smith, Lindsey Smith and Devin Grace Parks; and many extended family members, friends, neighbors and (almost) all others who knew him (he was a stickler for semantics). In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his beloved sister, Sister Paula Smith (a Medical Missionary of Mary) and his brother Kenneth Smith.

An avid Boston sports fan for most of his life he became a patron of his local music and art scenes in Bluffton and on Hilton Head Island. A fierce individualist he certainly lived life his way and encouraged others to do the same. Affectionately known to his Bluffton neighbors as Boston Bob he will be missed on the greens and the dance floor.

He seemingly appreciated music more than any art form and loved to play or sing Paul Anka, Bobby Darin, Elvis Presley, Kenny Rogers and Frank Sinatra (to name just a few) for anyone who would listen. If he wasn’t joking around with his hospice nurses he was singing to them. He bravely entered his eternal life as his family played him “The Gambler” one final time.

The family would like to recognize the entire staff at Compassus Hospice for their compassionate and expert care in his final weeks. The family would also like to thank the entire staff at Sauls Funeral Home for their kindness and professionalism.

If you would like to raise a glass of your favorite beverage and toast the life of Robert E. Smith please do so and please recite this well worn Irish toast: “There are good ships and wood ships, ships that sail the sea, but the best ships are friendships, may they always be!”