Timeline for Alexander Smith
Born: March 10, 1924
Died: January 4, 2015
Alexander M. Smith (Smitty), 90, of Ludlow, died peacefully Sunday, January 4, 2015, surrounded by his loving family. Born in Portland, OR, March 10, 1924, he was the son of the late David and Frances Borntraeger Smith. He was educated in Portland, OR schools.
Alexander proudly served his country during WWII as a Machinists Mate in the U.S. Navy. During his Navy service he served his Tool and Die Making apprenticeship. Upon his discharge he was presented with a certificate by the Commonwealth for his training in the tool and die field. He had the distinct honor of receiving the first certificate issued by the National Tool and Die Making Manufacturers Association.
Alexander married the former Roberta Fuller on November 24, 1946, sharing over 68 years together. He was a faithful member of First Church in Ludlow. He enjoyed fishing, wood working and tending his yard. His greatest joy by far was time spent with his family.
In addition to his beloved wife Roberta, Alexander is survived by his children David F. Smith and his wife Jessica of Costa Mesa, CA; Scott A. Smith and his wife Susie; Pamela Borkowski and her husband David; and Robin Robitaille and her husband Steven all of Ludlow. He also leaves the pride and joy of his life, his 6 grandchildren Daniel and Matthew Borkowski; Carrie Minie and her husband Christopher, Taylor Robitaille , Alexander and Nicole Smith.
I am seldom lost for words...but, here goes. Smitty was my friend, uncle, mentor, confessor, buddy, war hero, example, and so many other things that defy words. He was always there, reliably helping me through what I perceived to be a tough time. When I was only about six or seven, I met him...all dressed in his Navy best. He came to visit us in Arlington with his buddy 'Coop' during WWII. I had never seen a man so tall. He was always the tallest person I ever knew. Soon, the war was over...the Ludlow town sirens were screaming...the horns were blowing...Bert ran to me and yelled Get in the car!. She drove us all over while we yelled out the windows Smitty is coming home! And he did. Later, cousin Nancy and I would hide and giggle while he and Bert were courting. I attended their wedding at the First Church In Ludlow. Their marriage turned out to be one of the greatest examples of mutual love I've ever known. When I came back from overseas, Smitty took me coon-hunting and we ran around the woods in near total darkness, while tightly holding our precious beers...what fun! Like good buddies. When my dad passed, it was Smitty who took me for a ride, so that we could talk it out. We stopped at some local bar, sat down at a table, ordered a beer, and Smitty told me some of his stories about my dad I'd never heard before. As we got up to leave, he put his hand on my shoulder and said You're going to be alright. I needed that. His hand is still on my shoulder. He may be gone from us earthlings, but I firmly believe he has sailed to a distant shore where smiling folks are standing on the shore to greet him with open arms. His children and grandchildren will be OK. He taught them, and all of us, well. Good job Sir... Please give Bert a hug and kiss for me. Sandy
My Uncle Smitty.. the sweetest, kindest, caring man.. he was there when I needed some good sound guidance when I was a young teen. He set me straight along with my Auntie Bert! Such a wonderful man you could ever meet. RIP Smitty! Frank and I love you....
I consider myself fortunate to have known Smitty. I and other friends have so many memories of 4th of July parties when dozens of us would descend upon the Smith house for games, food, fun, and laughter. So many good times. I've always felt welcomed to just pop in and visit any time I was back in the area. Smitty was the kind of man any male should be proud to emulate. He had long and happy life, and his greatest legacy is the amazing children and grandchildren he has mentored. I will miss him and that big hug but know that he has touched my heart so firmly that he will always felt. Love to Bert and the family, Your adopted daughter, Franny and Bob
Having Pam as a best friend for years was only enhanced by having the privilege of knowing Smitty and Bert and being welcomed into their loving home on multiple occasions over the years. Smitty-a one of a kind-you will be greatly missed!
I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Family and friends are invited to gather for a Funeral Service with full Military Honors on Friday, January 9, 2015 at 11:30 AM at First Church, Center St. Ludlow, MA.
Burial in Island Pond Cemetery will be private at the convenience of the family
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Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.
I am seldom lost for words...but, here goes. Smitty was my friend, uncle, mentor, confessor, buddy, war hero, example, and so many other things that defy words. He was always there, reliably helping me through what I perceived to be a tough time. When I was only about six or seven, I met him...all dressed in his Navy best. He came to visit us in Arlington with his buddy 'Coop' during WWII. I had never seen a man so tall. He was always the tallest person I ever knew. Soon, the war was over...the Ludlow town sirens were screaming...the horns were blowing...Bert ran to me and yelled Get in the car!. She drove us all over while we yelled out the windows Smitty is coming home! And he did. Later, cousin Nancy and I would hide and giggle while he and Bert were courting. I attended their wedding at the First Church In Ludlow. Their marriage turned out to be one of the greatest examples of mutual love I've ever known. When I came back from overseas, Smitty took me coon-hunting and we ran around the woods in near total darkness, while tightly holding our precious beers...what fun! Like good buddies. When my dad passed, it was Smitty who took me for a ride, so that we could talk it out. We stopped at some local bar, sat down at a table, ordered a beer, and Smitty told me some of his stories about my dad I'd never heard before. As we got up to leave, he put his hand on my shoulder and said You're going to be alright. I needed that. His hand is still on my shoulder. He may be gone from us earthlings, but I firmly believe he has sailed to a distant shore where smiling folks are standing on the shore to greet him with open arms. His children and grandchildren will be OK. He taught them, and all of us, well. Good job Sir... Please give Bert a hug and kiss for me. Sandy
My Uncle Smitty.. the sweetest, kindest, caring man.. he was there when I needed some good sound guidance when I was a young teen. He set me straight along with my Auntie Bert! Such a wonderful man you could ever meet. RIP Smitty! Frank and I love you....
I consider myself fortunate to have known Smitty. I and other friends have so many memories of 4th of July parties when dozens of us would descend upon the Smith house for games, food, fun, and laughter. So many good times. I've always felt welcomed to just pop in and visit any time I was back in the area. Smitty was the kind of man any male should be proud to emulate. He had long and happy life, and his greatest legacy is the amazing children and grandchildren he has mentored. I will miss him and that big hug but know that he has touched my heart so firmly that he will always felt. Love to Bert and the family, Your adopted daughter, Franny and Bob
Having Pam as a best friend for years was only enhanced by having the privilege of knowing Smitty and Bert and being welcomed into their loving home on multiple occasions over the years. Smitty-a one of a kind-you will be greatly missed!
I'm sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home
Our sincere condolences.
The staff of Kapinos-Mazur Funeral Home.