Lewis Francis Hill Smith

He was born December 20, 1928 in Hartford, CT, to the late S. Arnold and Gladys M. Smith. He earned a BE in mechanical engineering at Yale University in 1950, where he was elected to membership in the Tau Beta Pi honor society. He earned his MBA in Industrial Management at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania in 1952. He served his country during the Korean War as a supply officer aboard the USS Essex (CVA-9), attaining the rank of lieutenant.

He began his management career in 1955 as a shop foreman supervising 35 ball-bearing machinists at General Motors’ New Departure Division in Bristol, CT; and successively worked as factory manager for Terry Steam Turbine (now part of Ingersoll Rand); the corporate staff of The Singer Company; and vice president of operations and planning for U.S. Filter’s MikroPul division. He retired in 1980 as executive assistant to the president for Bergen Community College in Paramus, NJ, negotiating and administrating contracts with six unions representing 500 employees.

Lewis and Beth Smith raised their family in Berkeley Heights, NJ, where he was active in the Cub Scouts, the Boy Scouts, and the Volunteer Rescue Squad, holding several lifesaving credentials. After the couple retired to Wilmington, he volunteered at the Food Bank of Central and Eastern North Carolina, the Keep America Beautiful System of New Hanover County, the RSVP Advisory Council, the Senior Health Insurance Information Program, the Lower Cape Fear Hospice, and the New Hanover Regional Medical Center. He took particular delight in navigating the tax code on behalf of the elderly as a member of the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

He is survived by sons Douglas L. Smith and wife Deborah L. Smith of Palm Desert, CA; Brian J. Smith of Cedar Park, TX; and Craig M. Smith of Ft. Myers, FL; grandchildren Andrew and Katherine Smith; and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his wife of 56 years, Beth W. Smith; his brother Richard A. Smith; four brothers-in-law; two sisters-in law; and daughter-in-law Sandra G. Smith. The family also acknowledges the love and companionship of Renate Stankaitis during his final years in Wilmington.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, February 4, at 11:00 a.m., at the Andrews Mortuary chapel, 1617 Market Street, Wilmington, with Rev. Rob Lapp officiating. Interment will follow at Oleander Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in his name to Hope Hospice, 9470 HealthPark Circle, Ft. Myers, FL 33980.

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