MILFORD, N.H. – Charles J. “Charlie” Smith, 80, died June 30, 2012, in Bar Harbor. He was born Aug. 31, 1931, in Lee, a son of John W. and Alice E. (Thurlow) Smith.
He was raised and educated in Lee and graduated from Lee Academy, class of 1949, and attended Bartlett Tree School, Stamford, Conn. Charlie made his home in Milford, N.H., for the past 60 years and enjoyed spending time at his summer home in Bar Harbor. He had been employed by Bartlett Tree Service, Lumbertown Co. and Grella Landscaping. In addition, he was the caretaker for a private estate in Lyndeborough, N.H., for 20 years. In his earlier years, he was very instrumental in the Milford Community Athletic Association program and coached Babe Ruth baseball. He enjoyed all types of sports, especially playing softball, horseshoes, bowling, skiing and water skiing. He loved to dance, play cribbage, and complete crossword and jigsaw puzzles. Charlie joined Milford (N.H.) Fire Department in 1957 and was a member of Engine Company 1. He became lieutenant of Engine 1 in 1964 and was promoted to captain in 1977. In 1987 he served as deputy chief and later became assistant chief in 1993, having retired in 1997. Charlie also served as vice president of the Firemen’s Relief Association.
Family members include his loving wife of 60 years, Alice M. (Ladue) Smith of Milford, N.H.; a daughter, Gayle Whitmore and friend, Robert Lyshom, of Hermon; a son, Gregory Smith of Brewer; three grandchildren, Chandra, Rachel and Christopher; three great-grandchildren, Brendan, Isaac and Djouldeanne; a sister, Virginia Farnsworth of Hulls Cove; several nieces and nephews.
Visiting hours are 1-5 p.m. Sunday, July 8, at Smith & Heald Funeral Home, 63 Elm St., Milford, N.H. Funeral services will be held 10 a.m. Monday at First Congregational Church of Milford, UCC, 10 Union St., Milford, N.H. Burial will be afterward at Riverside Cemetery, Milford, N.H. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Good of the Men Fund, care of Milford Fire Department, 39 School St., Milford, NH 03055. Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Heald Funeral Home, Milford, N.H. To leave an online condolence, please go to
www.smith-heald.com.