Robert Joseph Smith
SMITH, Robert Joseph, 78, LEOMINSTER, MA, January 7, 2012. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Leominster, MA, on Saturday, January 14, at 11 am. Reception to follow at the church.
LEOMINSTER, MA – Robert Joseph Smith, 78, passed away suddenly on January 7, 2012. Bob was born in Presque Isle, on February 17, 1933, a son of the late Granville and Margaret Smith.
After completing high school, where he placed second and third in the State Track Meet for javelin and discus, Bob enlisted in the US Army and was stationed at Fort Dix, NJ, and Fort Hood, TX. After an honorable discharge, he returned to complete his education at Aroostook State Teachers College. He graduated in 1961 becoming the first male to graduate with a degree in Physical Education. After teaching a year in the Limestone School system, Bob became the first physical education teacher at Skyway Middle School and remained for 26 years. In 1974, Bob earned a Masters degree in Physical Education at the University of Maine at Orono. Bob coached gymnastics and wrestling and for 20 years, his wrestling teams were undefeated. As a coach at PIHS, he had three state champion wrestlers and gymnasts.
Bob not only coached, but he umpired and officiated team sports. For 22 years he officiated basketball and was president of the IAABO Board 150 Aroostook County Basketball Officials in 1970 and 1971. For ten years, he officiated soccer and in 1989, was President of the Northern Maine Board of Approved Soccer Officials. For 30 years, he umpired baseball games and was President of the Northern Maine Board of Approved Baseball Umpires in 1966 and 1972. For more than 15 summers, he worked as a counselor at Camp Kennebec in North Belgrade, ME. He was head of the canoeing department and guided campers down the Allagash River, a distance of 92 miles.
Bob retired from teaching in 1990, but remained very active with volunteering, skiing, golfing, woodcarving, and singing in church choirs both in Presque Isle and Leominster. His strength, love and commitment made him an excellent role model. He loved his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 58 years, Ann Keirstead Smith; his son, William Smith, wife, Joan and their children, Katherine, Alexandra, and Harrison of South Portland; his son, Terrance Smith, wife, Nichole of Georgetown, TX; and his daughter, Donna Leon and children, Andrew, Gabriel, and Robert Leon, and her fiancé, Peter McKenna of Lunenburg, MA; his two brothers: Hollis Smith, and Richard Smith, wife, Opal; his three sisters: Mary Kakos, Isabelle Haines and Barbara White, husband, Bernard.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by Rev. Timothy Brewer at Our Lady of the Lake Church in Leominster, MA, on Saturday, January 14, at 11 am. Reception to follow at the church. In lieu of flowers, please donate in Bob’s memory to AutismSpeaks.org.
