Richard J. "Dick" Smith Sr., 79, of Manchester, husband of Irene (Cardin) Smith, died peacefully at home on Saturday April 27, 2013. He was born on July 17, 1934 in Willimantic, son of the late Charles and Helen (Lesneaski) Smith. Dick graduated from Windham High School and Sheet Metal Apprenticeship at Pratt and Whitney Aircraft in East Hartford where he continued to work for 39 years. He served our country for two years in the Army Dick leaves his wife of 56 years, Irene, sons Michael C. Smith and his wife Darlene, and Richard J. Smith Jr., and former wife Kathleen, and is predeceased by son and frequent golf partner James (Jamie) Smith. He leaves eight beloved grandchildren, Marissa Smith, Shane Smith and wife Melissa, Amanda Smith, Zachary Scranton, Alex Scranton, Alex Smith, Kayleigh Smith and Abigail Wilson. He also leaves five dear great-grandchildren, Zada and Zyan Brooks, Phoenix and Arianna Smith and Emma Fidalgo. Dick was always an avid athlete He played basketball for Pratt and Whitney in the Hartford basketball league and volley ball in the Manchester league. Eventually he dedicated all his energy to playing golf, the game he loved the most. He played in leagues until he joined Manchester Country Club where he was a member for over thirty years. During his tenure there, Dick won several tournaments: the club championship, two Governors cups and two father son tournaments with his son Jamie. He also won two tournaments at Haystack Country Club in Wilmington, VT where he enjoyed a vacation home. Once retired, he played golf six times a week with the good friends he made from the club over the years. Dick was also an avid UCONN fan where he held season tickets for both the men and women's basketball teams and followed football closely. The entire family wants to recognize the extreme kindness of one of Dick's grandsons, Alex Scranton who spent many hours with Dick when he was in a convalescent home. Alex helped Dick around and did the things that Dick would occasionally struggle with. He would bring him his favorite foods for lunch and dinner and was always keeping Dick engaged with his questions and jokes. Additionally, Alex Smith sat with Dick for hours quietly watching sports on television. The family wishes to thank friends and neighbors who have been so generous and supportive to Dick and Irene during his illness. In lieu of flowers donations may be given to your favorite charity. Funeral service will be held on Wednesday (May 1st) at 9:15 am from the John F. Tierney Funeral Home 219 West Center St. Manchester with a Mass of Christian Burial at 10 am at the Church of the Assumption 27 Adams St. South, Manchester followed by burial in East Cemetery, Manchester. Family and friends may call at the funeral home on Tuesday from 4-8 pm.