Richard "Dick" Smith

Richard “Dick” Joseph Smith died peacefully on November 8, 2023 at age 94. He was the husband of Grace Calzone Smith, the love and light of his life, who preceded him in death earlier this year. Lifelong residents of Norwalk, Dick and Grace moved to Brightview Senior Living in Shelton in 2020.

Dick was born September 7, 1929 to the late John and Amy Selleck Smith. He is predeceased by his brother Douglas and wife Patricia; sister Celine and husband Steve; as well as 16 brothers- and sisters-in-law. Dick graduated from Norwalk High School, attended Fairfield University, and served honorably in the U.S. Army.

Dick began his career with the Norwalk Water Department and then went on to become a plumbing contractor serving residential and commercial clients for more than 30 years.

He was a naturally gifted athlete who excelled in swimming and long-distance running. Described in his high school yearbook as having a ‘willingness to help in all situations’ and a ‘friend to all’, Dick was kind, compassionate, and a gentle man in every sense of the word. Beyond his athletic gifts, he was a talented artist and eloquent writer who, throughout their 67-year marriage, penned dozens of poems and love letters to Grace, whom he loved beyond measure.

Dick was a devout Catholic, a member of the VFW, and upon retirement, was an active volunteer for St. Vincent DePaul. 

Losing a father is never easy, especially when he was as beloved as Dick was to his daughters. Throughout their lives, Donna and Lisa cherished their father and the memories they made together. He was their rock, their confidant, their protector, and their biggest supporter. Though he may be gone, his love and influence will continue to live on through his daughters and all those whose lives he touched.

Dick is survived by daughters Donna Moylan and husband Tom, Lisa Juhl and fiancé Bruce, as well as grandchildren Lindsay (Adam) Cohen, Steven (Danielle) Moylan, Macey (Kevin) Collison and Nick Juhl. He also leaves behind great-grandchildren Andrew, Emily, Mickey, Raymond and Danny and 22 nieces and nephews.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to the compassionate staff at Brightview Senior Living (Shelton) and Caring Hospice (Stamford). A celebration of Dick’s life will be announced at a later date.