Donald O. Smith

SOUTHWEST RANCHES, FL. - Donald O. Smith, 99, of Southwest Ranches, Florida, died on December 16th. He was born on the family farm in Groton, MA. in 1909. He was preceded in death by his wife, Esther (Boyce) Smith and is survived by his current wife Aurora (Benetiz) Smith, sons Robert Smith of Ft. Lauderdale, FL. and David Smith of Orlando, FL., a daughter Nancy Marchese of Nashville, TN, nine grandchildren and 23 great grandchildren. Don is a graduate of Wentworth Institute in Boston, which subsequently awarded him an honorary BS degree a few years ago. He moved to Winchendon, MA. in 1944, where he owned and operated the former Cheney Lumber Company. In 1957, he moved to Florida and established Seaboard Lumber, a wholesale building supply company. After retiring from business in 1975, he was an early investor and a member of the Board of the American Bank of Hollywood, Fl, now part of Wachovia. He is past President of the Winchendon Kiwanis Club, a member of Artisan Lodge of Masons for over 50 years, and a life member of the Aleppo Temple Shrine. He is a charter member of the First United Church of Christ of Hollywood, Florida, and in 1990 donated the church social hall, which is named after him and Esther. Don has spent the past 33 summers at his home on Lake Monomonack in Rindge, NH and has been active in many local charitable causes. Three local communities, Rindge, Winchendon and Groton, enjoy band concerts each summer from Bandstands, that he built and donated in the past few years. Funeral services will be held at the First Congregational Church of Rindge on Friday, January 2nd at 11 A.M., following a time of visitation at 10 A.M.. The family has asked that instead of sending flowers, donations may be sent in memory of Don, to the First United Church of Christ, 200 N. 46th Ave., Hollywood, FL. 33021. The Snow-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon, MA. is directing arrangements. www.snow-ladeau.com