Frederick C. Smith

GARDNER – Frederick C. Smith, 85, of Gardner, died Thursday, October 6, 2022 after a brief illness.

He was born in Baldwinville on September 29, 1937, son of the late Kenneth and Elsie (Turgiss) Smith and lived most of his life in Gardner.

Fred leaves his beloved wife of 65 years and high school sweetheart Alda E. (Moschan) Smith; two children, Jeffrey Smith and his wife Laura and Holly Mara and her husband John; grandsons, Jack Mara, Patrick Mara and his wife Katie and Jeffrey Mara; a brother, K. Arthur Smith of Westminster; a sister, Charlene Wagner of Winthrop, Maine and several nieces, nephews and cousins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Charles and Marie Moschan and brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Richard and Lois Moschan.

Fred taught math and science in the Gardner public school system for more than 30 years before his retirement.  He was a graduate of Gardner High School and earned his BA at Fitchburg State University and his Master’s Degree from Assumption College.  He was a member of the National Guard, which he entered at the age of 17.

Fred was a longtime member of the First Baptist Church. He was also a member of Hope Lodge of Masons, the Elks, Otter River Sportsmen’s Club and the Trentino Club of New England. Throughout his life, Fred and Alda travelled extensively throughout Europe, Asia, Africa and Iceland.  He especially enjoyed visiting their extended family in Italy.  

Fred cherished the time spent with his grandkids and family and greatly enjoyed reading, especially history. He was an avid sportsman and enjoyed hunting and gardening.

A memorial service will be held Thursday, October 20, 2022 at 11 A.M. in St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 79 Cross Street, Gardner.

Calling hours in Stone-Ladeau Funeral Home, 343 Central Street, Winchendon are Wednesday, October 19, 2022 from 5 to 7 P.M.  Hope Lodge of Masons will conduct Masonic services at 6:30 P.M.

Memorial donations may be made to Hope Lodge of Masons Scholarship Fund, 42 Central Street, Gardner, MA 01440.

To leave an online condolence, please visit www.stone-ladeau.com