Eugene A. Smith

Waltham – Mr. Eugene A. Smith, Jr., of Waltham, died Saturday, January 2, 2016 at Newton-Wellesley Hospital. He was 84.

Gene was born in Weymouth, a son of the late Eugene A., Sr. and Winifred (Lynch) Smith, and had been a lifelong resident of Waltham, most recently at Waltham Crossings. He was a 1951 graduate of Waltham High School and after that served with the United States Army during the Korean War.

When he left the service he went to work as a lineman for the New England Telephone and Telegraph Company and was with the company for thirty-six years before retiring as a manager. After that he worked for a number of years as ranger at the Leo J. Martin Golf Course in Weston.

Gene was a lifelong sports enthusiast and was an avid fan of all the Boston sports teams. He had a special passion for golf and enjoyed time on the course with his sons and teaching the game to his grandsons. He also organized and served as the director of the AAU Track Meeting in Waltham.

For forty years he was a distinguished and well-respected football official, on and off the field, in both the high school and college ranks. He was a member and past president of the high school officiating organization, ANEFO and was a member of EAIFO that served the NCAA.

Gene was also a lifelong member of Saint Jude Parish where he faithfully served all of his life as an usher at Sunday masses until illness forced him to step down. He was also a member and a past president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians in Watertown.

He leaves his wife, H. Mary (Wheelden) Smith, his children, Christopher E. Smith and his wife, Denise, of Belmont, Melissa M. Gallagher and her husband, Stephen, of Chestnut Hill, E. Andrew Smith and his wife, Lisette, of Scituate and Martha J. Geromini and her husband, Robert, of Bellingham; his grandchildren, Matthew, Patrick and Ryan Smith; Nicholas and Chad Gallagher; Benjamin Smith and Robert and Timothy Geromini; his sisters and brother, Leona Briggs of Needham, Sidney J. Smith of Scottsdale, Arizona and Carolmarie Smith of Charlestown and many nieces and nephews.

Gene was also the father of the late Timothy E. Smith.

Family and friends will honor and remember Gene's life by gathering for calling hours in The Joyce Funeral Home, 245 Main Street (Rte. 20), Waltham on Thursday, January 7th from 4 to 8 p.m. and again at 9:30 a.m. on Friday morning before leaving in procession to Saint Jude Church, 147 Main Street, Waltham where his Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. Burial will follow in Mount Feake Cemetery, Waltham.