Mr. WILLIAM JOSEPH SMITH of 41 Elmore Drive, Dalton, died on Sunday,
March 21, at home, in the close company of his loving family. He was 85 years old.
Bill, the eldest son of Joseph and Adeline Smith, was born in San Diego,
California, on January 2, 1948. Raised in the Bronx, in Long Island, and in Becket, Bill
graduated from St. Joseph's High School in Pittsfield in 1963.
Following high school, Bill served his country with courage and valor as a United
States Marine from January 1, 1964 through June 1, 1967. Bill's duty included 14
months of in-country service in the Vietnam War. A longtime member of the VFW, Bill
arried throughout his life his camaraderie with and his compassion for his fellow
Marines with quiet yet certain dignity, honor, and pride.
Following his enlistment, Bill became a Master Electrician. Together with his
partner, Mr. Mark Hopkins, Bill owned and operated Ryan Electric, Inc., specializing in
industrial and commercial electrical work. Through his work, Bill was a member of
Local 284 IBEW (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers), served on the
Executive Board of the Health and Welfare Fund, as well as serving on the board of the
Western Massachusetts National Electrical Contractors Association.
On August 28, 1977, Bill married his wife, Rosanna Smith, who survives him.
Bill was a remarkably steadfast dedicated husband and parent. Throughout their
marriage, Bill was a loving husband and genuine friend to his wife, Bill and Rose
enjoyed camping, dinners and drinks with family and friends, and regular trips to New
York City. After marrying Rose, Bill became a father to Rosanna's children, Kevin,
Michael, and Melanie Hinkley, and to his sons, Ryan and Joseph Smith. Bill's
relationships with his wife, his children, and his family were characterized by
unequivocal integrity, honesty, compassion, and devotion; Bill was, quite simply, always
there. Those who knew Bill were fortunate to enjoy his unique strength, his quick wit,
his keen intellect, his quiet dignity, and the uncompromising honesty, integrity and
respect for others that governed his life. Bill was a remarkable husband, parent, and
father. Bill was a timeless worker in support of his family and he was fiercely proud and
protective of each and all of them. Bill will be missed tremendously. Nevertheless, his
legacy lives in and through those who knew him and loved him.
Bill leaves his loving wife of more than 34 years, Rose Smith of Dalton; his
mother, Adeline Smith of Becket; son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren Kevin, Karlyn,
Craig and Kelsie Hinkley of Pittsfield; son, daughter-in-law, and grandchildren, Michael,
Maureen, Gabrielle, and Michael Hinkley of Dalton; daughter, son-in-law, and
grandchildren, Melanie, Chad, Ryan, and Greta Gorton of Pittsfield; son, Ryan Smith of
Manhattan; son, Joseph Smith of Dalton; his sister, Jacqueline Smith of Monterey; sister
Michelle Smith of Becket; his brother and sister-in-law, Thomas and Jean Smith of
Bridgewater; his brother Joseph Smith of Manhattan; and numerous aunts, uncles, nieces,
nephews, and cousins. He is pre-deceased by his brother, Larry Smith.
We are lessened by your passing, but we are far greater for having known you.
We love you, Bill�our friend, husband, Papa, and father.

FUNERAL NOTICE: Bill's ashes will be rested by his family in a private ceremony. There are no
calling hours. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be sent, in Bill's memory to The Epilepsy Foundation of Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The
DERY-FOLEY FUNERAL HOME, 890 East Main Street, Dalton, is in charge of arrangements.

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