Warwick loses a friend in Bob Smith

Warwick — The backbone of any community is its people. The people who volunteer, the people who value their neighbors and friends, those who run their businesses honestly and with integrity. One of Warwick’s finest citizens, Bob Smith, possessed all of those features. Described by his friends and coworkers, Smith was a professional, a family man, a selfless and generous volunteer, all while maintaining a sense of humor. Warwick lost Bob Smith to his battle with cancer two weeks ago. “Bob was the type of guy that within an hour after you met him, you would be laughing and carrying on like old friends,” said Jeff Alario, a partner with Smith at Borgmeier and Alario CPAs here in Warwick. “As a business partner, friend and accountant, you could have no better. He took care of his clients with the utmost care and professionalism. He had a great sense of humor while at the same time he was an incredibly trusted advisor. If you spoke to his clients they would all have the same quote, ‘Just ask Bob - he will know what to do.’” Smith also was partners in his family’s business, Lazear-Smith & Vander Plaat Memorial Home. There, he comforted families grieving for their loved ones just lost. “Bob had a big heart and a self-effacing manner,” said the Rev. Ken Susskraut, pastor of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, who knew Smith as a colleague and a friend. “Humility and integrity were his life’s hallmarks. He honestly and sincerely cared about the welfare of others and he treated everyone with respect. He had a special and extraordinary role in the lives of many people, especially those in need of help and consolation in times of hardship, grief and heartbreak.” Smith was a 30-year member of the Warwick Fire Department and was treasurer for the district for 26 years. Joe Walter, one of Warwick’s fire commissioners, remembers him for his professionalism, his sense of duty, and his humor. “When Bob was doing business, he was as straight and professional as can be,” said Walter. “When he was socializing, he had such a great sense of humor. He saw at least 13 chiefs and as many commissioners come and go. He has been the stability of the fire department. He is missed big time.” Village of Warwick Mayor Michael Newhard admired Smith. “Bob was essentially a regular guy - as tall and thin as Jimmy Stewart, as calm and measured as the best pitcher on the mound, as reasonable and pragmatic as any fine and deliberate human being,” said Newhard. “But why are these traits profound? How did they affect our community? “Well, these are traits of a good man, but more so they were an active ingredient in a daily life that touched so many,” the mayor added. “Bob served as a funeral director and was able to console and empathize with every family that came through his door. He was an accountant - a personal and discreet overseer of many local fortunes large and small. One always felt with Bob that you were in good hands - hands that would not hurt, hands that would help. “His work with the Fire Department was a model of community volunteerism and love for an organization that also gave so much to him. On top of this he was a devout husband, father and son. He was a fine sportsman and had a terrific sense of humor and those heartfelt laughs remain in the memories of all who knew him.” Joan Perez worked with Smith in his accounting office. “You could always count on Bob to ‘lighten the mood’ especially during tax season,” said Perez. “He was kind, sincere and uniquely funny - a knowledgeable class clown in the office. We feel the void of his passing and will always remember him with a smile.” Smiles are abundant when people talk of Bob Smith. “He touched so many people in so many ways, whether through family, friendship, business, or community service, that he will truly be a greatly remembered and missed Warwickian,” said Alario. “By his personality, civic service, profession, and life-long Warwick residency, Bob had the opportunity to touch our community with kindness and generosity,” added Susskraut. “He always did so quietly, gently, and with compassionate sensitivity.” Carol Downing got to know Bob Smith when she began working with him a few years ago in his office on Colonial Avenue. One of the lasting things she remembers about Bob was his devotion to his family. “Mary was training me at the time and there are a few things I can tell you that were obvious right away,” said Downing. “He loved to laugh and have fun. Bob was one of the funniest people I have ever known. He adored his children and grandchildren and spoke of them with such pride. And he loved Mary with all his heart. They worked together, lived together and played together. They were sweethearts for 36 years and loved each other completely. You just had to see them together for five minutes to know that. Bob wore many hats but I think the one that read ‘Husband/Father’ had to be his favorite.” In addition to his wife, Mary, Bob Smith leaves behind his mother, Betty Jane Smith, his daughter, Katherine Kirkpatrick, two sons, Matthew and Stephen, four grandchildren, Paris, Devin, Peter, and Ian, and his brother, Dr. Wilbur Lazear Smith. “We will miss Bob Smith,” concluded Newhard. “He was a quiet advocate and representative of all that is decent. Most would not know all that he has done because he never asked for anything in return nor wanted credit. Role models are not easy to come by these days but I always considered Bob just that. He left me with a clear understanding of a responsible and respectful life. As I emulate and practice that, I will make sure that I pass that on to my son as well. “Thank you, Bob for such a gift.”