SMITH LACONIA — Donald C. ‘Smitty’ Smith, 85, of Laconia, died Saturday morning, July 28, 2012, surrounded by his family.

He was born Oct. 18, 1926, in Derby, Conn., the son of the late Milton J. and Edith C. (Weller) Smith.

He was a graduate of Andover High School in 1944, and UNH in 1949, receiving an Agricultural Certificate. He has been a long time resident of the Lakeport neighborhood.

Mr. Smith was a Navy veteran of World War II, serving as a fire controlman 3rd Class aboard the USS PGM 19. He received the Pacific Theater Ribbon, the American Theater Ribbon and the Victory Medal.

He was retired as a Union Carpenter with the Carpenter and Joiners of Northern New England. He was a carpentry millwright foreman, and had also worked for W.P. Titus, Harvey and G2S Construction.

Don was a member of the American Legion Wilkins-Smith Post 1, where he served as a trustee and in the color guard for several years; a member the Laconia Elks BPOE 876; a longtime member of the Leavitt Park Community Club Association; and the Seniors Bowling League.

At his 85th birthday party, he requested that in lieu of gifts, donations be made to LRGH (Brenda’s Ride); this raised $1,000 for the charity.

Don was an avid woodworker and loved bowling, horseshoes, and playing golf.

He is survived by his wife of 35 years, Alice J. (Rolfe) Smith, of Lakeport; children Linda Isitt and husband Randy, Raymond Smith and his wife, Deb, Lori Beach and partner Dan, Douglas Peters and partner Crystal, Julie Hayward and husband Scott, along with 17 grandchildren; 8 greatgrandchildren; 1 great-great grandson; and many nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by son Thomas Peters, brother Milton Smith, and sister Sylvia Brewster.

A celebration of Don’s life will be held Sunday, Aug. 5, 11 a.m. at the Leavitt Park Community Club House, 334 Elm Street in Lakeport. A luncheon buffet will be provided.

The family has designated LRGH and Hospice for memorial contributions: Lakes Region General Hospital, 80 Highland Street Laconia, NH, 03246 — In the “memo” section of your check, please write “Brenda's Ride Account” — or donate to Central New Hampshire VNA & Hospice, 780 North Main St., Laconia, NH, 03246.