Cedric J. Smith

Waltham – Mr. Cedric J. Smith, a well-known Bedford buisness owner, passed away at his home on Monday morning, August 17, 2009 following a long illness. He was 76. Mr. Smith was born in Evanston, Illinois on May 3, 1933. He grew up in Eau Claire, Wisconsin, the eldest of six children of the late Albert and Viola (Hanson) Smith. He graduated from Eau Claire High School in 1951 where he was a member of the football team. After graduation, with the Korean war raging, Mr. Smith enlisted in the United States Army and was stationed at Fort Devens in Massachusetts. Private Smith proved to be an extremely capable soldier and was rapidly promoted to the rank of Sergeant. It was during this time that Mr. Smith attended a USO dance where he met Catherine Arrigo, the woman who would become his wife. Cedric and Catherine were married in December of 1954 and settled in Waltham. After leaving the service, Mr. Smith went to work for Waltham Wallpaper where he stayed for 15 years. By 1971 he realized that he had learned as much about the wallpaper and paint trade as he could and decided to start his own business. In June of that year he and Catherine opened Bedford Wallpaper and Paint where they quickly became well-respected members of the business community. His easy-going nature, expert knowledge and dedicated service to his customers soon made Bedford Wallpaper the number one choice for anyone who was redecorating their home. Several competing stores opened and closed during the time Mr. Smith was in business, and though they may have had similar products, they simply could not compete with the level of hands-on help and guaranteed customer satisfaction that he and his wife provided. It was common knowledge throughout the area that if you had any type of question involving paint or wallpaper then "Smitty" was the man to see. He got a great deal of pleasure from helping his customers and they, in turn, enjoyed him. In 2003, after 32 years, Cedric and Catherine sold the store and retired to spend more time with the family. Mr. Smith was an avid fisherman who loved the challenges of both deep-sea and fresh-water angling. In addition to regular excursions out into the Atlantic for cod and mackerel, many early morning hours were spent wading the streams and rivers seeking elusive trout. Teaching young children to fish was one of his greatest joys. He also enjoyed skiing, gardening and spending time with his grandchildren. Cedric was the beloved husband of Catherine L. (Arrigo) Smith, with whom he shared 55 years of marriage, and was the loving father of Cindy Schrimpf and her husband, John, of Waltham, Cheri Smith of Provincetown, Cedric J. Smith, Jr. of Sterling, and Catherine Smith Ferrera and her husband, Bryan, of Waltham. He also leaves his grandchildren, Jacqueline and Westin Ferrera; his brother, Quentin Smith of Wisconsin; his sisters Kathryn Thalacker and Cynthia Schulz, both of Wisconsin and Marji Hendel of Florida and many nieces and nephews. He was also a brother of the late Lloyd Smith. Family and friends will honor and remember Cedric's life by gathering for calling hours at The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. and again at 9 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Our Lady Comforter of the Afflicted Church, 880 Trapelo Road, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.