Charles W. Smith

Charles W. Smith passed away on Saturday, September 15, 2012. He was the beloved husband of the late Dorothy Ann Smith and a devoted father to Charlie, Tom, Marianne and Joe as well as the late Anne Marie Smith who died at birth. He was a dear brother to Robert and the late Alice, Florence, and Thomas. He was a loving and doting grandfather of Skye, Alexa, Aidan, Keira, Sophia and Gianna. Charlie "Ace" Smith grew up in "Hell's Kitchen" in New York City. Hell's Kitchen as the name suggests, was a tough area of New York and our father was no different. I remember being 11 years old at my grandfather's funeral hearing stories of my father always fighting to protect the neighborhood and how he would always be there for anyone who needed him. Of course sometime the Ace's "say what was on his mind" mentality would get him in a few scuffles on his own and made for a few pretty good stories as well. At the age of 16 he lied about his age so he could enlist and fight for his country in World War 2. He joined the Navy and served for 2 years where he earned the Victory Star, European Theatre medal and American Theatre Medal. At 17 his father passed and when he returned from service he basically had to take on that role for his younger brothers and sisters. All these things led to our father having a tough exterior but all who knew him saw how kind and generous he was. Eventually in 1966 he moved his family to Bowie, Maryland to work for the Government Printing Office. He made alot of great friends while at the GPO and retired from there in 1992. He loved sports, especially baseball and was always there for his kids games and found a way to provide whatever was needed. Some of his other loves were playing cards and cooking. Though he was Irish there had to be some Italian in him somewhere down the line considering all his incredible pasta recipes. He was famous for his "sauces" that friends still rave about. Later in life his greatest love was his grandchildren. The sounds of "Grandpa" ringing through the house whenever his grandkids were around is something I will never forget. He was so proud of all his grandkids and he definitely spoiled them any chance he got. Dad, you will be missed greatly. We know you are in a better place and reunited with Mom and for that we all have a big grin. Your stories and lessons you taught all of us will definitely stay with us the rest of our lives and be something we pass on. We love you!!!