Obituary of Robert Russell Smith Sr.

Robert Russell Smith, Sr., 80, died peacefully in his sleep at home with his loving family around him on September 15, 2016. Born in Chicago to Gerald John Smith and Marion Rita Griffin, he was raised in Waukegan, graduated from Immaculate Conception grade school and Waukegan Township High School. He worked as an electrician, completing his apprenticeship at U. S. Steel Wire Mill. He also worked at OMC Johnson Outboards, and retired from Abbott Laboratories. He served in the U. S. Army from 1958 to 1961, serving in Korea, Fort Riley, KS, and Fort Carson, CO, in the Signal Corps. In 1963 he met and married the love of his life, Stephanie Martin, in Chicago, IL. They lived briefly in Waukegan, and moved to Winthrop Harbor in 1965. He was active on the Winthrop Harbor Volunteer Fire Department from 1967 to 1993, fulfilling a childhood dream. He served in many capacities, from basic firefighter through chief of the department. He was responsible for innovations in training, as he knew an experienced firefighter is a safe firefighter. He shared his passion with everyone, especially his own family. He served as the first male den father in the Winthrop Harbor Cub Scouts, taking on 10 boys and using the fire house as his base. He delighted in teaching them the Brute Call. He loved fishing, boating, shooting, horseshoes, woodworking, and puttering in his garage. He had a real talent for creating unusual pinatas, enlivening many family and fire department gatherings. He read extensively, and liked most kinds of music. He was an excellent mentor, and had a positive impact on all who met him. He is survived by his wife of 52 years, Stephanie; his children: Betsy (Don) Fiedler, Alicia McCoy, Rob (Tammy) Smith, and Jerry (Carrie) Smith. He loved his 12 grandchildren: Thomas Murphy, Abbey Smith, Rita McCoy (Matt) Ludtke, Aurora McCoy, Max Fiedler, Mitch Fiedler, Gerald Smith, Wyatt Smith, Russ Smith, Alivia Smith, Ernie Smith, and Ivy Fiedler; and his great-granddaughter, Trinity Murphy. Bob will also be missed by these special family friends Brenda Hansen, Megan Hansen, Amanda Torres, Roy McCoy, and Mark Krpan, along with many in-laws, nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister and brother-in-law Alice Jane and Frank Ryan, and infant daughter Jennifer Zell Smith. The family would like to thank the staff at Aurora Medical Center and Vitas Hospice Services for their sensitive and compassionate care. Donations to the Winthrop Harbor Fire Department, 830 Sheridan Road, Winthrop Harbor, IL 60096 would honor his memory. Visitation will be held Saturday, September 24, 2016 from 2:00 until 5:00 p.m. at Congdon Funeral Home, 3012 Sheridan Rd., Zion, IL. A funeral service with military honors will follow at 5:00 p.m. at the funeral home.