Obituary of Raymond H. Smith

Raymond H. Smith PEABODY—Raymond H. Smith, 73, beloved husband of Mary M. (Cahill) Smith of Peabody, died peacefully on Saturday evening at the Kaplan Family Hospice House in Danvers while in the comforting presence of his family. Born in Peabody, he was the son of the late George W. and Ruth (Cunningham) Smith. He was a lifelong resident of the city, and graduated from Peabody Vocational High School. He enjoyed his career as a Firefighter with the City of Peabody for a dedicated 34 year career. He also found ways to use his trade skills beginning with Service Master. He had his own business doing painting, wallpaper, and handyman jobs around the house. He was a veteran, serving in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. Ray enjoyed sports, played softball, playing cards whether cribbage or Rummy 500, decorating for Christmas, and spending time in Freedom, NH. He will mostly be remembered for his selfless giving of his time to others. He will be dearly missed by his family and friends, and gratefully remembered for his family values, devotion in faith as a member of St. John the Baptist Church in Peabody, and other generous acts of kindness towards others. He is survived by: his wife, Mary M. (Cahill) Smith of Peabody, with whom he shared 49 years of marriage; three sons, Joseph R. Smith of Peabody, Daniel & Lisa Smith of Salem, and Paul & Tracey Smith of Methuen; two daughters, Donna & Eric Ricci and Maureen & Stephen Panzini all of Peabody; 10 grandchildren, Erica, David, Nicholas, Ricci, Stephen, Michael Brian & Nicole Panzini, Erin Smith, Allison & Katie Smith; one brother, Robert & Joanne Smith of Peabody; two sisters, Carol Eager of Peabody and Mary & Bill Hallinan of FL; and many nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his siblings George W. Smith, Jr., Ruth Doucette, Ralph Smith, and infant brother Richard Smith. A visitation will be held on Wednesday from 4 – 8 PM in the Conway, Cahill-Brodeur Funeral Home, 82 Lynn St. location, Peabody. Relatives and friends are invited to gather on Thursday January 13, 2011 at 10 AM in the funeral home followed by a Funeral Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM in St. John the Baptist Church, Peabody. Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery, Salem. Memorial donations may be made to either Kaplan Family Hospice House c/o Hospice of the North Shore, 75 Sylvan St., Suite B-102, Danvers, MA 01923.