A ‘Jack of all trades’ and lifelong resident who was passionate about his hometown
NORTH READING — William A. Smith, 89, a lifelong resident of North Reading, passed away on Tuesday, January 21, 2025.
He was a former member of the North Reading Fire Department, a Lieutenant in the North Reading Police Department, a Selectman for many terms, served on the Board of Public Works in North Reading, was a U.S. Army veteran, and was the owner of Smith and Sons Construction, and Smith and Sons Plumbing.
He was born in Winchester on October 13, 1935, the son of the late Arthur L. and Helen (MacKay) Smith. He attended North Reading schools and was a graduate of Reading Memorial High School.
Bill lived a full life and was a “Jack of all trades.” His passion for his hometown was a big part of his life. He loved North Reading, politics and especially the people in it. As a town Selectman, not everyone agreed with him, but he always had the best interest for all the people at heart. He was often referred to as a force.
Bill was generous to a fault; he always helped people in need, especially his family. He was extremely proud of his children and grandchildren and always boasted about their many accomplishments. He was highly respected and a proud man. He did things his way and always with a smile and laughter.
Bill also was a licensed Scuba Diver and teacher, a licensed Real Estate agent, and a Plumbing Inspector for the town of Middleton. He played town basketball as well as softball on the North Reading Police team, and he also was an avid fisherman as well as a horse sulky race driver and thoroughbred trainer and driver of standardbred horses and thoroughbred horses. He was also the owner of the Dairy Queen at one time. Bill also served on the Community Planning Commission and the Personnel Board in North Reading.
Family members include his loving sons, Gregory Smith, William Bradford Smith and Daniel S. Smith and his wife Judy; his daughter, Deborah Smith and her husband David Moore; a sister, the late Jean (Smith) Lastinger; grandchildren, Daniel L. and Julia N. Smith; his former wife Linda (Pierce) Smith; and many nieces, a nephew and their families.
Calling hours were held on Sunday, January 26 from 1 to 5 p.m. at the Croswell Funeral Home, 19 Bow St., North Reading. His funeral was held on Monday, January 27 at 1 p.m. at the Union Congregational Church, 148 Haverhill St., North Reading. Burial was in Riverside Cemetery in North Reading.
To leave an online message of condolence, visit www.croswellfuneralhome.com