Kenneth Ansley Smith

Kenneth Ansley Smith, age 92, passed away peacefully in the Maples Rehabilitation and Nursing Center in Wrentham, Massachusetts on Thursday, November 10, 2016, surrounded by his loving family. Born in his parent's home at 24 School Street in Walpole, Massachusetts on June 13, 1924, he was the devoted son of the late William E. and Margaret (Litchfield) Smith. He was raised in Walpole and attended the Old Stone School before graduating from Walpole High School with the Class of 1942. About a year after graduating, Ken was drafted into the United States Army in March of 1943. He honorably served with the 75th Infantry Division and took part in the Battle of the Bulge while serving in the European Theater of Operations. He was discharged in January of 1946 after earning the rank of Technician 5th Grade. Upon his return home from the Army, Ken began taking courses at Bentley College, earning his Associates Degree in 1950.

Ken took a position with the Kirk-Young Machine Company in East Walpole, serving as the office manager for 10 years. In August of 1958, he partnered with George Levya and formed Levya and Smith Service Stations, with locations in Walpole, East Walpole, Westwood, and South Walpole. Two years later, Ken married the love of his life, Dorothy M. Lockwood, on November 20, 1960 in the United Church in Walpole. Together they made their home in Walpole, where they raised 7 children, whom Ken was proud to call his sons.

After 22 years in the gas station business, Ken began working at Raytheon in Norwood as a shipper and receiver and 2 years later took a shipper/receiver position with General Instruments in Westwood. He was transferred to Sea Beam Instruments in East Walpole, where he retired in 1995. As a man who enjoyed staying busy, he began working at In Metal in Sharon in the shipping and receiving department in February of 1996, finally retiring in 2010.

Ken was a lifelong resident of Walpole and a member of the United Church for over 70 years, where he could always be found singing with the church choir. His musical talents did not end with his voice, as he was a talented pianist as well. He also enjoyed playing bridge with friends and took great pride in caring for his yard.

Most of all, Ken was a devoted family man, who always treasured the time that he spent with his wife, sons, and grandchildren.

Beloved husband of Dorothy M. (Lockwood) Smith.
Loving father of David A. Smith and his wife Sue of Walpole, Jeffrey K. Smith of Pflugerville, Texas, Bryan L. Smith and his wife Coral of Montecito, California, Richard D. Pelletier and his wife Sandy of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Stephen Pelletier and his wife Dawn of Gray, Maine, Raymond Pelletier and his wife Donna of Walpole, and Paul Pelletier and his wife Nancy of Duxbury.
Cherished grandfather of Bryan, Kevin, Madelyn, Michelle, Michael, Paul, Meagan, Andrew, Cory, Katelyn, Ebony and Calico and great grandfather of many.
Brother of the late Ruth E. Smith, Dorothy Farrar, Clifford Smith, Marion Cole, Harold Smith, Mildred Rockwood, and William E. "Chubby" Smith.
Also survived by many nieces and nephews.

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Ken's Life Celebration on Tuesday, November 15, 2016 from 4-8 PM in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. A Funeral Service will be held in the United Church, 30 Common Street, Walpole on Wednesday, November 16, 2016 at 10:00 AM. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to: The Music Committee at the United Church in Walpole, 30 Common Street, Walpole, MA 02081.