Michael R. Smith

NEW HAVEN, Vt. — Michael R. Smith, 58, of New Haven, Vermont died Aug. 13, 2018 after a sudden illness. Michael was born in Claremont, New Hampshire on July 11, 1960 the son of Russell and Gloria Smith. Smitty attended Stevens High School, graduating in 1978. He served in the U.S. Navy, being honorable discharged in 1981. After the Navy, Mike worked for the City of Claremont, then started working for Central Vermont Public Service (now Green Mountain Power) in 1984. Mike started out as a meter reader and later became a lineman. In 1984, Mike and his family moved to the Middlebury, Vermont area where he continued his career with CVPS. Mike was active in the local coed softball league and men’s basketball league. Mike was an avid drummer and he formed “The Jesters” with two friends. “The Jesters” played their classic rock and roll at parties and bars around Vermont. After the Jesters disbanded, Mike continued playing with “Ten Rod Road” and “Second Half.” In June Mike attended his 40th Class Reunion where he met up with lifelong friends. He was proud to brag the Class of 1978 won first place for the best float in the alumni parade. With Mike’s health deteriorating, Mike was able to walk his daughter down the isle when she got married on Aug. 3. It was a joyous day for the family. Besides his parents of Claremont, Mike is survived by his children, Patrick and his fiancée, Naomi of Daleville, Alabama; his daughter, Kristen Wilson and her husband, Travis of Shoreham, Vermont; his grandchildren, Carter and Kennedy Smith, and Harper and Charleigh Wilson. He is also survived by his sisters, Diane Preston of Claremont, and Suzanne Hubbard and her husband, Todd, of Cabot, Vermont; and numerous cousins, nieces, nephews. He was always close with Patrick and Kristen’s mom, Patti and her family. There will be a celebration of Mike’s life, Thursday, Aug. 16 at the American Legion in Middlebury, Vermont from 4 to 7 p.m. There will be a private graveside ceremony in Claremont at a time to be determined by the family. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Middlebury Union High School Athletic Program, 73 Charles Ave, Middlebury, VT 05753. You are invited to share a memory of Smitty with the family or leave a message of condolence in the family guest book at www.royfuneralhome.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to the Roy Funeral Home and Cremation Service.