WALDEN – Richard L. Smith, 81, passed away February 27, at St. Johnsbury Health and Rehabilitation Center in St. Johnsbury after a long fight with diabetes.
Richard was born in Jeffersonville, on July 9, 1939, to Carroll R. and Mary C. Smith. In 1944, they moved to Greensboro Bend where they farmed. Richard spent most of his life either farming or driving trucks.
Richard is survived by two children: Michael L. Smith and his life partner Sandra Neuman of Lyndonville, and Connie Hope and her husband Elihu Goodell of Hyde Park. He also leaves behind his sister, Bonnie, and her husband Gary Langdell of Wolcott, as well as five grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Richard was predeceased by his daughter Gail and grandson Jason Goodell. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren were always the light of his life. Richard is survived by two very close friends, Frank and Elsie Patoine of Walden, with whom many hours were spent playing cribbage, Thirty-One, and just visiting. The des Groseilliers Funeral Home is in care of arrangements. Memories and condolences may be conveyed to the family at dgfunerals.com.
