Robert T. "Bob" Smith, Major USAF, Retired, of Melrose died at his residence Saturday evening August 27, 2005 with his loving family at his bedside. Bob was born in Everett, March 24, 1934, son of the late Ralph T. Smith and J. Muriel (Ellis) Smith. He was raised in Melrose and graduated from New Hampton Prep School, 1951 and attended Tufts and Northeastern University. Bob enlisted in the Massachusetts Air National Guard 102nd Combat Support Squadron Unit in Boston on November 6, 1952.Bob continued on as a Member of the US Air Force Reserve as a Liaison Officer between the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado and many of the New England Area High Schools and Colleges. During this time, he received the USAF Commendation Metal for his service as a Disaster Preparedness Officer serving the 9006th Air Reserve Squadron in Denver Colorado. On September 2, 1985, he was transferred to the USAF Retired Reserve until his official mandatory retirement at age sixty. Bob was a Sr. Claims Approver for 35 years at New England Mutual Life where he earned the distinguished title of Certified Life Underwriter, considered to be one of the highest achievements in the Insurance Industry.For 24 years, Bob drove a School Bus for nursery school children in Melrose and surrounding communities. Bob was the beloved and devoted husband of 47 years to Emily M. (Gately) Smith. He was the loving father of Robert T. Smith Jr. and his wife Paula of East Hampstead, NH, William R. Smith and his wife Karen of Arlington and Bonnie M. Beckman and her husband Morrill of Derry, NH. Bob was the cherished grandfather of James, Steven and Brian all of East Hampstead, NH,Amanda, Jessica and Andrew all of Saugus, David Galatis of Arlington and Gately Beckman of Derry, NH. Funeral from the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., MELROSE Wednesday Aug. 31 at 9 AM.Funeral Mass in the Church of the Incarnation, 425 Upham St, Melrose at 10 AM. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to attend. Visiting hours Tuesday 4-8 PM. Interment will be in Wyoming Cemetery, Melrose. Gifts in his memory may be made to the MSPCA at Nevins Farm, 400 Broadway, Methuen, MA 01844. Arrangements by Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., MELROSE.
