Pierce "Bob and Grandpie" Smith, Jr.

On August 6th, 2023, Pierce (better known as Bob and Grandpie) Smith, passed away at the age of 95 years old.

Bob is survived by his children; Robert Smith of FL, Susan Castonguay and Nanci Smith both of TX, brother; Gene Smith and wife Paula of FL, brother-n-law; John Bannon and wife Norietta of MA and many grand children, great grand children, nieces and nephews and his beloved cat Zero. Bob is predeceased by father; Pierce Smith Sr., mother; Lillian Heron, son; Jeffrey Smith, sister-n-law; Sara Baxter, brother-n-law; Paul Bannon.

He served in the Army then got into photography before becoming a Laborer with Local 14 in Massachusetts from October 1960 to January 1990. His love for fishing was deep. He became known as an avid fisherman, and to many a legend. Many times catching the first fish of the season. He was a founding member of the Plum Island Surfcasters Association, a member of the National Beach Buggy Association, and a member of The Makenzie Boat Club. 

His 95 years were full of an obvious appreciation for simple things, with a clear awareness that they were the most important. Still picking up shells and driftwood on the beach 70 years and counting, still feeling like it was a lucky day to come across a sand dollar, getting a laugh out of a cat sneaking up on a seagull, looking forward to the morning meetup for coffee with old friends to tell stories past and present at Surfland Bait and Tackle, feeling comfort from his cat curled up in his lap or a phone call from family 1000's of miles away. He took pride in keeping a tidy home, rereading old articles telling tales of a big catch decades past. What a way to live.

That pride and care went into all that he did...he was meticulous. His work was flawless because doing it right was the only way to do it. You could catch him subconsciously straighten a notepad on his table while telling a story or a salt shaker out at dinner. He did not lack any attention to detail and it was in every aspect of his life down to his perfect penmanship. He was never boastful. Never. He was an incredible story teller but listened more than he spoke. He had such a great sense of humor and a childlike appreciation for quirky things that indefinitely brought a smile to his face. He was soft spoken and can not recall him ever raising his voice. He was warm, loving and cared deeply for his family and friends.. he knew that they mattered most and believe, outside of the high of a huge catch, nothing brought him greater joy and his gratitude for it all was felt more deeply than most. 

He lived the blueprint for a wonderful and truly enviable life - living his life as he wanted, spending it doing things he enjoyed with people he loved, all the while maintaining his wit, health and memories until practically the end.

He was very deserving of such a beautiful, full life. He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. We are so thankful for such amazing memories that we all can continue to share.

A Celebration Of Life will be held at: Plum Island Taxpayers Association Hall  (PITA) 8 Plum Island Blvd. Newbury, MA 01951 on Saturday August 26, 2023 from 2:00 to 5:00 pm.

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