John Murray Smart

John Murray Smart of Spring Hill, FL and Aruba died peacefully at home on May 18, 2015 at age 93, after a brief illness. He was surrounded by his loving family. He is survived by his beloved wife Delores, his son Robert Capozza (wife Lauri), his daughter Kimberly Backman (husband Derek), grandsons Robert Capozza, D.M.D. (wife Lauren, D.M.D.), Michael Capozza, M.D. (wife Tarah, D.P.T), Warren Backman, and his great grandson Evan Capozza. He was pre-deceased by his son John Murray Smart, Jr. John Murray Smart, known as Murray to his family and friends, was born in Arlington, MA in 1921. He attended grade school there, and continued his education at Belmont Hill School, a private boys school in Belmont, MA. While at Belmont, Murray was known as an outstanding athlete in many sports, but excelled especially as a star hockey player. He was also an outstanding student. Murray graduated from Dartmouth College in 1945. While at Dartmouth Murray's hockey skills contributed to several years of athletic success for the college. Murray's education at Dartmouth was interrupted when his country called him to war. Murray put his math skills and keen eye to good use as a Bombardier Navigator on B-24 Liberator Bombers when he was assigned to the 8th Air Force 453 Group, 732nd Squadron, based in Old Buckingham, England. He flew the first 35 successful combat missions starting on July 7, 1944, and completed his final mission on November 6, 1944. Murray received some of the highest decorations possible for his service and heroism, including The Distinguished Flying Cross. Murray was truly an American original. He was a classic example of The Greatest Generation. Following his military career and formal education, Murray led the Independent Insurance Association of Maine, where he worked as a lobbyist. Murray moved to Spring Hill from Maine in 1984. He and his wife Delores launched Smart Interiors, which became a successful family home furnishings and interior design business. His keen entrepreneurial skills grew a small local business to international status. Murray and Delores lived in Aruba for part of the year. Murray indulged his love of golf there and locally, as well. He was an excellent golfer, having competed in several Pro-AM tournaments. Murray also enjoyed extensive travel, having visited many countries with his family, and he was particularly touched by his visit to Normandy Beach. Murray loved and honored his family, and cherished every opportunity to share good times with them. He was known for his popovers which everyone requested at family gatherings, of which there were many. A funeral mass will be held at St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Roman Catholic Church, located at 5030 Mariner Blvd. in Spring Hill, FL on May 30, 2015 at 1 PM. The family has requested that contributions in Murray's memory be made to: HPH Hospice of Hernando County Florida 12260 Cortez Blvd Brooksville, Florida 34613 St. Frances Xavier Cabrini Roman Catholic Church 5030 Mariner Blvd., Spring Hill, FL 34609. American Liver Foundation 39 Broadway Suite 2700 New York, New York 10006