BANGOR - Richard D. Smith Jr., 74, passed away peacefully, at home, surrounded by his loving family on Saturday, April 30, 2016, after a courageous 6 year battle with lung and brain cancer.Richard was born October 16, 1941 in Lynn, Mass the son of Richard D. and Norine G. Smith Jr.

Dick attended St. Joseph and St. Mary's Catholic schools in Lynn, from grade school thru high school. Following graduation he attended Merrimac College. Dick loved telling stories of his high school days with all his buddies from St. Mary's, esp. his good friend Joe Iarrobino. His early experiences turned into wonderful memories with all his high school friends that lasted his entire life. When you asked him a question about his St. Mary's friendships, he always had a colorful story to tell. Thank you to all Dick's high school friends who have given both Dick and Alison so much love and support this past year.

Dick joined the Air Force reserves completing basic training at Lackland AFB in Texas. He was with the reserves for 6 yrs. Dick was also a member of the Knights of Columbus in Mass.

During his early years he enjoyed hunting, skeet shooting, and fishing with his father, later adding ice fishing and fly tying to some of his hobbies. Dick always said he enjoyed walking through the woods, feeling the serenity of nature.

Dick worked at Sears in Saugus, Mass. where he met Alison, and was later transferred to the Bangor, ME store where he worked for 27 yrs. After an early retirement, he managed the Party Savor store owned by Dennis Paper Co., for 10yrs. After that store closed, Dick worked for the Penobscot County Sherriff's Department as a security deputy as well as serving papers. He thoroughly enjoyed that job.

Dick married Alison (Leck) Smith on August 15, 1970. Their son, Richard H. Smith, was born in 1971. Rich was Dick's pride and joy. He loved to challenge Rich is a game of golf.

Dick and Alison enjoyed traveling throughout the world, experiencing different cultures and culinary cuisine, including Paris, S. France, Germany and Switzerland and esp. the Caribbean. Their son Rich, would travel with them every other year. Playing golf at Myrtle Beach with Rich is a fun memory. Dick and Alison also traveled the entire east coast of the United States, from Maryland, the Carolinas, all the way to Fla., where they eventually spent their winter months in Naples. Of all the travelling they did they considered their second home to be Aruba, (second only to Great East Lake in Acton, Me.) They bought a time share in the 1980's on the beautiful island of Aruba and visited that island every year, meeting many dear and lasting friends.

Dick's ultimate passion was "golf." He was happiest when out on the golf course. Dick always had a smile on his face when he got into his golf cart, and drove down the sidewalk on Norway Rd, to Bangor Municipal Golf course. He played golf at other courses as often as possible, including Aruba, and Naples Fla. We want to thank all of our dear Naples friends who were more like family. We also want to thank Dick's golfing buddies especially, Dean Armstrong, Gil MacDonald, and Greg Pooler for the extra special time they spent with Dick these last few months. Life for Dick was "the best" when he was playing golf. Those who knew Dick had his devoted friendship, loyalty, and genuine caring. He was a true gentle man as well as a real gentlemen. Dick's generosity too many charities was important for him to support, especially to those in need.

Dick was predeceased by his parents and his infant sister, Linda. Dick is survived by his wife of 45 years, Alison (Leck) Smith, their son, Richard H. Smith and his girlfriend, Heather Baine. Dick adored his grandchildren, Travis McFarlin, Tyler, Hunter and Logan Smith. He is also survived by his brother and sister in laws (who he considered his brothers and sisters) Alan and Susan Leck, David and Linda Leck. The love and support they gave to Dick and Alison this past yr. was appreciated with a deep gratitude only the heart knows. His nephews Jason, his wife Kristen, and Matthew Leck and his girlfriend Dee Phillips, his nieces, Jennifer Leck and Rachel Alison, and Rachel's boyfriend Matt Reyes, and his grandnephew and niece, Jordan and Abigail were all very special to Uncle Dick.

We want to thank all the Doctors and nurses at LaFayette Family Cancer Care, with a special thanks to Dr. Kurt Snyder and Allison for their extra care and support. The last 3 months would not have been possible without the great care from Beacon Hospice. To all the cna's, volunteers, and nurses, thank you. A special thank you to Aveena.

Relatives and friends may call from 5-7 p.m. Thursday May 5, 2016, at Brookings-Smith 133 Center Street, Bangor. A Funeral Mass will be held 11 a.m. Friday May 6, 2016 at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, St. John's Catholic Church, 207 York St., Bangor.

Memorial contributions may be made in Dick's memory to The Lafayette Family Cancer Center, C/O EMHS Foundation, P.O. Box 931, Bangor, ME. 04402. Condolences to the family may be expressed at www.BrookingsSmith.com.