Donald R Smith

Donald Ralph Smith of Cheshire, CT died on September 10, 2016, aged 92. Donald was born in Bridgeport, CT on January 29, 1924 to Merley Benson and Bertha Haffner Smith.  In 1948 he married Eleanor Harrison, and they made their home in Nichols (Trumbull), where they lived for more than 55 years.  In addition to his beloved wife Eleanor, Donald is survived by his children, Donelle Smith Staley (Andrew) of Tisbury, UK and Wayne Harrison Smith (Kathryn) of St. Petersburg, Florida.  Other survivors include his sister, Joan Smith Edgerly of Meriden; grandson Jerimaya Grabher (Laura) of Redondo Beach, California; and great granddaughters Sophia and Gianna Grabher also of Redondo Beach, as well as numerous nieces and a nephew.  Donald’s sister Jean Smith Cowles and brother-in-law Glenn Edgerly predeceased him.

Donald graduated from Warren Harding High School in Bridgeport in 1941.  He served in the Air Force from 1943 – 1945; graduated from University of Connecticut and then University of Connecticut Law School in 1953.  He practiced law in Bridgeport for 47 years.  Donald was very active in his community, serving on the vestry of Trinity Episcopal Church; treasure of Trinity Church reconstruction committee; as Worshipful Master St. John’s #8 Lodge; Chair of Trumbull Charter Revision Committee; Board of Directors Trumbull Library Board; and Financial Director for Nichols Library.  Donald was an accomplished photographer and enjoyed traveling around the world with his wife and family.

Friends and family are invited to attend his funeral service on Tuesday, September 20th at 2:00 PM at Trinity Episcopal Church, 1734 Huntington Turnpike, Trumbull.   A reception will follow in the parish hall.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Trinity Episcopal Church.

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