Glenn F Smith

HOLDEN - Glenn F. Smith, 65, was surrounded by his loving family members when he passed away peacefully on Sunday, October 16, 2016 following several months of health challenges. Glenn was born in Worcester and raised in Shrewsbury. He graduated from Shrewsbury High School, Worcester State University and earned his Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Connecticut and attended Berklee College of Music, Boston. A dedicated, licensed clinical social worker, Glenn worked in private practice for many years. Prior to his early retirement in 2013, Glenn had worked with veterans affiliated with Veterans, Inc. in Worcester for several years. He found this to be some of the most rewarding work of his career. Assisting veterans with the many challenges they face each day became his impassioned focus. A lover of music and a talented musician, there was not a wind instrument that Glenn could not create beautiful music. His most favored horn was the saxophone, and he played it magically in many venues over the years, including as a founding member of the former band, “Fate”. Glenn was also a devoted and active member of the faith community at the First Baptist Church of Holden. Whether it was serving as a member of the Mission Team or where you would expect Glenn to be, as a member of the choir, band director and even the teacher of music to the young members of the congregation. He also assisted with the Vacation Bible School program during the summers. Glenn found tremendous joy in sharing his love of music with his six grandchildren, and their gatherings often involved bringing out the instruments, especially with his grandson riffing on the guitar accompanied by Glenn on his horn. Glenn is survived by his son, Kellen E. Smith and his wife, Marisa and their six children, Griffin, Oscar, Liberty, Braeden, Ayla and Veda; his mother, Hazel (Milby) Smith Blackett of Shrewsbury; his sister, Sharon Cormier and her husband, Leonard of Shrewsbury; his son, Collin Smith, his daughter, Courtney Steinau, his son, Samuel Smith of California and his daughter, Jessica Smith of Charlton; as well as nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his father, E. Frederick Smith.