Obituary of Richard Harland Smith

Richard Harland Smith, 87, of Danielson, died unexpectedly Tuesday at his home. He was the husband of Barbara (Brown) Smith, they were married May 21, 1954. He was born March 11, 1929 in Beckley, West Virginia, son of the late Orliffe and Julia (Stairs) Smith. He was a graduate of Beckley College, Concord College and received his master’s degree from Marshall University. Richard served in the United States Air Force, 1952 to 1956. He began his teaching career in West Virginia as a teacher and Basketball Coach. In 1961 he relocated to Killingly and joined the Killingly School System as a teacher, he was the Assistant Football Coach, 1961 to 1964, in 1965 he became the Assistant Principal of Killingly High School and the following year became the Principal of Killingly High School. He served from 1967 to 1980. In 1981 he joined the teaching staff at the Killingly Junior High School and in 1987 was Appointed Assistant Principal, until his retirement in 1989. He attended the Putnam Congregational Church for many years. He leaves in addition to his wife Barbara of 62 years, his children, Lisa R. Pina and her husband Earl of Putnam, Richard H. Smith, Jr. and his wife Barbara of Van Nuys, CA; grandchildren Vayda and Victor. He was predeceased by his daughter Cheryl Ann Smith. Funeral Services and Burial will be Private. Donations may be made in Richard’s memory to the Memorial Fund of the Putnam Congregational Church, PO Box 463, Putnam, CT 06260. Arrangements by Smith and Walker Funeral Home, 148 Grove Street, Putnam. Share a memory at www.smithandwalkerfh.com