Robert I. Smith's Obituary
Robert Irving Smith, 74, of Chula Vista, passed away Friday, March 2,2018 at La Jolla Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, La Jolla, California after a lengthy illness. Born in Watertown, Massachusetts on May 14,1943, he was the son of Milton Floyd and Ethel (Schaefer) Smith. Robert grew up in Roxbury, Connecticut and joined the United States Navy after high school.While serving at Great Lakes Navel Training Center he met Bonnie Jean Durand and they were married on May 16,1964. Robert attained the the rank of Chief Petty Officer and was honorably discharged from his military service in 1974, settling in Chula vista to raise his family.Robert loved his freemasonry. He was a Past Master, officers’ coach, and life member of S. W. Hackett Masonic Lodge, No. 574, a 33rd degree Scottish Rite mason, and a dedicated member of Al Bahr Shrine. He was selected by his lodge as its Mason of the Year in 2009 and received the prestigious Hiram Award in 2012.Robert was preceded in death by his parents and his loving wife of 52 years.He is survived by his daughter, Susan Woodend (Stephen) and their children Andrew and Rebecca of Idaho, his son David Smith of Chula Vista, and his sister Marilyn Nesmith (George) of North Carolina.The family will receive friends from 4 to 8, Sunday, March 11, 2018 at Greenwood Memorial Park, 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego. Funeral services will be held at 11 am, Monday, March 12,2018 at St. Pius X Roman Catholic Church, 1120 Cuyamaca Avenue, Chula Vista. Internment will follow at Greenwood Memorial Cemetery 4300 Imperial Avenue, San Diego.
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