Edward J. Smith, Sr.

Edward J. Smith, Sr., 90, of Berlin, passed away peacefully on Saturday at The Reservoir Care and Rehabilitation Center, West Hartford. He was the widower of Dorothy (Johnson) Smith. Born in Magazine, AR, he was the son of the late Lester and Effie (Hill) Fleming. He was a proud graduate of the Fort Smith High School, Class of 1940. Edward has been a Berlin resident for many years, moving from New Britain in 1986. He came to CT as part of the Civilian Conservation Corps during WW II where, as a Tool Maker, he was needed at New Britain Machine and later worked at various other Manufacturing Companies. In 1955 he established the San Tool Company that continues to be owned and operated by his son Jim in Berlin. Edward was an avid Boston Red Sox fan. He enjoyed fishing, waterskiing, and many summers with his family at Little Alum Lake in Brimfield. He was a member of First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, New Britain. Edward also belonged to the Order of the Eastern Star and was a Mason for over 50 years, a member of Friendship Lodge #33, AF & AM. He was an Advisor to the Rainbow Girls. The family would like to thank the staff at The Reservoir and especially thank Dorothy from the Berlin VNA for taking such wonderful care of Edward. Surviving are two sons and daughters-in-law, Bradford "Butch" and Anne Smith of Bristol, Jim and Terry Smith of Kensington, a daughter Linda Smith and her companion Greg Purvis of Southington, his grandchildren, Russell Smith, Jennifer DeIulis, Robert Mautner IV, Laurie Scarpo, Kelly Abbate, Kyle Smith, Jamie Smith, his great grandchildren, Jacob Scarpo, Gabriel and Miles DeIulis and several nieces and nephews. In addition to his wife, Edward was predeceased by his son Edward J. Smith, Jr. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 10:00 am at First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, New Britain. Burial will be in Fairview Cemetery. Calling hours will be Tuesday evening from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm at Erickson-Hansen Funeral Home, 411 So. Main St., New Britain. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to First Lutheran Church of the Reformation, 77 Franklin Square, New Britain, CT 06051.