Dennis A. Smith, 65, of Sarasota, Fla., formerly of Haverhill, passed away unexpectedly at his home, Tuesday, Jan. 6.
Born in Haverhill, he was the son of the late, Stewart T. and Doris M. (Lefebvre) Smith. Educated in the Haverhill public school system, he attended Haverhill Trade School and left after his sophomore year to enlist in the U.S. Marine Corps. A Vietnam Veteran, Corporal Smith proudly served his country from August, 1966, until being honorably discharged in December, 1968. A Purple Heart Recipient with one Star, he also received the Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnamese Service Medal with one Star, Vietnamese Campaign Medal with one device, and the Presidential Unit Citation. In February, 1969, Lance Corporal Smith was presented the Silver Star Medal.
Upon his return home from the Vietnam War, Smith settled to Colorado and opened a Hair Salon where he lived for several years. He then relocated to Sarasota, Florida where he has resided for the past 17 years.
Dennis is survived by his son, Damian J. Smith, of Venice, Fla., siblings Linda M. Bergeron and her husband, William, of Methuen, Richard Smith and his wife, Gloria J., of Port Charlotte, Fla., Gordon P. Smith and his wife, Maureen, of Danville, N.H., Gail M. Villers and her husband, Ernest, of Haverhill, Robin J. Walker and her husband, Kenneth, of Fla., 15 nieces and nephews, and 25 great nieces and nephews, aunts and uncles. He was predeceased by his sister, Faith A. Smith and girlfriend of 10 years, Sharon Kemph.
Friends and family are respectfully invited to call on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m. at the Kevin B. Comeau Funeral Home, 486 Main St. Haverhill. Funeral services will immediately follow the period of visitation at 5 p.m. in the funeral home. Committal services with Military Honors for Smith will take place in Linwood Cemetery on Monday morning at 11:30 a.m. Memorial donations may be made in his name to the Disabled American Veterans at www.dav.org.