Smith, William Joseph

William Joseph Smith, husband of Alicia Leighton Moyer Smith, of Niantic Connecticut, passed away on May 30, 2022 at the age of 85.

Left to cherish his memory, is his wife of 61 years, Alicia of Niantic, CT, his daughters Karen Roveto and her husband Robert Roveto of South Windsor Connecticut, Tracy Walsh and her husband Kevin Walsh of Groveland Massachusetts, Kelly Krok and her Husband Michael Krok of Bristol Connecticut, his brothers Raymond K. Smith and his wife Irene Smith of Niantic Connecticut, J. Brian Smith and his wife Karen Smith of West Hartford Connecticut, his sister Kathleen “Kemmy” Calio and her husband Richard Calio

of South Windsor Connecticut, Six Grandchildren Bill Roveto, Ashley Dooley and her husband Jake Dooley,

Taylor Walsh, Aidan Krok, Brennan Walsh, and Megan Krok, great granddaughter, Leighton Taylor Dooley, his sister-in-law Susan Cadieux Smith, and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. William was also predeceased by his son, William Joseph Smith, Jr., his daughter Mary Elizabeth Smith, his brothers, Edward T. Smith, Robert J. Smith and his wife Diane Z. Smith. William, affectionately known as “Billy” was born on March 4, 1937 in Hartford, Connecticut to the late parents of Edward Thomas Smith and Kathleen Molloy Smith. Billy Spent the first 18 years of his life growing up on Brook Street in the City of Hartford where he attended The Cathedral of Saint Joseph and Hartford Public High School. Upon graduating from Hartford High, he attended the University of Connecticut and

was a veteran of the US Army. Billy was employed by the State of Connecticut Department of Transportation for 35 years. He was continuously recognized for his outstanding performance and dedication and advanced to Division Chief of Rights Away, retiring in 1992. In 1960, Billy married the love of his life, Alicia, whom he adoringly called “Babe”. They moved to Plainville

Connecticut where they raised three daughters, Karen, Tracy, and Kelly, and resided for 53 years.

Billy had a deep commitment to his catholic faith. He served as an altar boy, was a parishioner of Our Lady of Mercy in Plainville, Saint Matthew Church in Forestville and Saint Agnes Church in Niantic. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus for many years. As a boy he excelled at basketball and baseball. Beyond High School, this passion continued throughout his life where he played on numerous teams and leagues. Billy volunteered his time coaching youth teams, taking the Squires to the championship in the early 80's. He enjoyed golfing and bowling, was a season ticket

holder for the Uconn Huskies mens and womens basketball teams and football team. Billy was an avid Boston Red Sox fan and enjoyed cheering them on at Fenway Park. Billy's favorite hobby was attending his grandchildren's sporting events. He spent summers vacationing on the Connecticut Shores and spent his

final years building memories with his wife at their Black Point Beach home in Niantic.

William was a kind, generous and thoughtful husband, father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great grandfather, father-in-law and friend. He always had a cheerful welcoming smile and will be most remembered for being devoted to his family, his love of sports and his song that will forever echo in our hearts, “I got you Babe”. A Funeral Mass will be held on Friday, June 10, 2022 at 11:00 A.M at Saint Agnes Church in Niantic. Directly following the service will be a Celebration of Life at Filomena's in Waterford.

In lieu of flowers, Memorial donations may be made

to: The American Heart Association and the American Cancer Society.