Richard L. "smitty" Smith

Atkinson, NH: Richard L. "Smitty" Smith, 80, a resident of Atkinson since 1978, died following a long illness on July 31, 2016 at his home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born on July 19, 1936 in his mother's bed at their home in Lynn, MA. Son of the late Lloyd and Evelyn (Powell) Smith, he was raised and educated in Saugus, MA and graduated from Saugus High School with the Class of 1954. Mr. Smith went on to receive his Degree in Business from Salem State College. He served in the United States Navy Reserves for eight years.

Mr. Smith was employed first as a Machinist at General Electric Company and as an Engineer and Technical Writer for Raytheon Company for many years.

Mr. Smith was the owner and operator of Smitty's Restaurant in Andover, the first organic restaurant in the area, which he opened in 1970 and operated until 1984.

A member of the Linn Village Drum Band, which is the only Rudimental Drum Band in the United States, Mr. Smith had a tremendous love of music. He was a Notary, a former substitute teacher at Timberlane Regional High School, Past President of the Historical Society, member and Past Chairman of the Town of Atkinson Ethics Committee, and the former President of the Merrimack Valley Antique Bottle Club. Additionally, Mr. Smith was a Justice of the Peace and officiated all four of his daughters' wedding ceremonies.

Mr. Smith was the owner of Chickenbone Farm in Atkinson where he tended his apple orchard and Christmas trees. A history buff, he was also a published writer of short stories and poems and also wrote and published a book "Saugus Cops". Above all, Richard adored his wife Norma and cherished his family. He spent the happiest years with Norma, and was content on his farm, surrounded by nature and his attentive family.

He will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by his wife of fifty-nine years, Norma L. (Gile) Smith, a son and daughter-in-law, David R. and Cathleen Smith of Danville, four daughters, Susan J. Michaud Barnes of Atkinson, Robin C. Callahan and her husband G. Carl Callahan of Plaistow, Karen Mae Johnson of Exeter, and Krista N. Grew and her husband David Buchanan of North Hampton, two brothers, Bruce Smith of Florida, and Michael Smith of Rowley, MA, two sisters, Joyce Bird of Exeter, and Lisa Tricomi of South Peabody, MA, fifteen grandchildren, eight great grandchildren, and several dozen nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his great grandson, Carter Callahan.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Mr. Smith's Life Celebration on Sunday, August 7, 2016 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home, 116 Main Street, Plaistow, NH. His funeral service will take place on Monday, August 8 at 10 a.m. on the grounds of Brookside Chapel & Funeral Home. Burial will follow in Atkinson Cemetery, Atkinson, NH. To leave a message of condolence for the family please visit our website, www.brooksidechapelfh.com.