WEST BOYLSTON - Richard "Dick" H. Smith, 90, passed away peacefully on Monday, February 1, 2021 at St. Vincent Hospital in Worcester. Born and raised in Vernon, New York, Dick was the son of Harry L. and Carrie (Bierre) Smith and lived the last 43 years in West Boylston.
He will be lovingly remembered by his wife of 55 years, Virginia J. (Weier) Smith; four children, Bruce M. Smith, Karen M. D'Agostino, Julia L. Barry and Wendy S. Smith; 13 grandchildren; several nieces and nephews; and his rat terrier, “Mikey.” Besides his parents, Dick is predeceased by a sister, Lynn Mason.
Dick was a graduate of Vernon High School in New York, class of 1948. He honorably served his country from 1954 to 1956 in the United States Army. He worked several years for the Vernon Department of Public Works and later for Montgomery Ward in Courtland, NY as their store manager. After moving to West Boylston in 1977, Dick opened Yarn It All, Inc. in West Boylston which he operated for 15 years. He later bought a Merry Maids franchise in Clinton which he owned and operated for 20 years
He was a volunteer firefighter in Vestal, NY and will be remembered for his kind and gentle nature.
Dick's family will honor his life by gathering privately. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of one’s choice.