David Carl Smith, 88, of Newton, Mass.

NEWTON, MASS. » David Carl Smith, age 88, passed away on Jan. 17, 2018, at Palin Hospice in Wayland, Mass.

Born in Saugerties, N.Y., on Jan. 27, 1929, and the youngest of three boys, David worked the family’s Smith Brothers Horse farm. Valedictorian of his high school class, he graduated at age 15 for early admission to Cornell University. Graduating top of his class, David enlisted in the Air Force and served his country during the Korean conflict. He began his professional career working for optics and defense contractors with the highest levels of clearance at the Pentagon. Most notably, he was chief electrical engineer at Itek Corporation and project manager at Raytheon and Nortronics. He lived the majority of his adult life in Newton, Mass., and spent time at their farm in Saugerties, N.Y. Dedicated to his friends, family, and community, he was active in the Charles River Watershed, was a Freemason, a member of the Tuesday Club and the former Central Church, and was currently a member of the Second Congregational Church in Newton. An avid reader and music lover, he played the piano and had season tickets to Boston Symphony Orchestra for years. His interests were limitless.

David was preceded in death by Donna D. Smith, his wife of 55 years, and his daughter, Diana Lawrence.

He is survived lovingly by his daughter and her husband, Theresa and Richard Tomaino of Franklin, Mass., as well as seven grandchildren, 14 great-grandchildren, and four great-great-grandchildren.

Visiting hours are from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 26, 2018, at Burke and Blackington Funeral Home, 1479 Washington St., West Newton, Mass. A funeral service, including special music, will be held on his birthday, Saturday, Jan. 27, 2018, at 11 a.m., at Second Congregational Church, 60 Highland St., West Newton, Mass.

Donations in David’s name can be made to Second Congregational Church, 60 Highland St. West Newton, Mass. 02465. (www.BurkeFamilyFuneralHomes.com)