Harold F. Smith Jr.

August 1, 1935 — June 26, 2021

Harold F. Smith Jr., USMC, RET, 85, a resident of Rollin Street, Bennington, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, June 26, 2021 at the Vermont Veterans Home in Bennington.

Born in Bristol on August 1, 1935, he was the son of the late Harold Smith Sr. and Violet (Hoisington) Smith. He received his early education in the Bristol and Chester, MA schools.

Harold began his 30 year career in the Marine Corps when he enlisted in November, 1952. He retired with the rank of S/SGT 20 years later and served an additional 10 years with the Fleet Marine Force.

Harold married Esperanza Mary Terrones on November 26, 1960 in Lompoc, CA. Esperanza died August 12, 1999.
Following his discharge from the Marine Corps Harold worked as parts manager at Bennington Ford and later at Bennington Garage and B & B Auto.

He was a member of VFW Post 1332, American Legion Post 90 and Eagles Club 1861 in Bennington.
Following his retirement Harold, together with his wife, delivered the Pennysaver paper throughout the area. He was a devout family man whose family was most important to him. He enjoyed walks around town, supporting various Veterans causes and donating apples that he would pick and give to the Cancer Center and local food pantries.

The family would like to express their sincere thanks to the staff at the Vermont Veterans Home for the outstanding care and kindness that was shown to both Harold and his family.

Survivors include five children, Peter Harold Smith and his wife Vicki of Phoenix, AL, Richard Smith of Ballston Spas, NY, Esperanza "Sissy" Reed and her husband Stephen of Rogers, AK, Bridget Bolio and her husband Todd of Bennington and Deborah Ward and her husband Randy of Waterford, ME; seven grandchildren, April Reed, Stephen Reed Jr., Krickett Reed, Jonathon Crawford-Smith, Crystal Bolio, Edward Harrington and Monica Bolio; three sisters, Janice VanSlyke, Christine O'Brien and Connie Perreault , 11 great-grandchildren and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Harold was predeceased by a son, Edward Smith and by six siblings, Marjorie Anderson, Edward Smith, Maxine Huot, Michael Milonas, Marian Lencki and Vasilki "Cookie"Shea and his foster mom, "Mom Laurent".

The funeral will be held from the Mahar & Son Funeral Home Friday, July 2, 2021 at 10:30 a.m. with a prayer and from Sacred Heart St. Francis de Sales Church at 11:00 a.m. where the Liturgy of Christian Death and Burial will be offered.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. when the family will be in attendance.
Burial will take place in the family lot at White Chapel Cemetery.

Should friends desire memorial contributions in Harold Smith's memory may be made to the Activities Fund at the Vermont Veterans Home or to St. Jude's Children's Hospital thru the office of the Mahar & Son Funeral Home, 628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05021.

Guestbook condolences may be made at www.maharandsonfuneralhome.net.

To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harold F. Smith Jr., please visit our flower store.

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Service Schedule

Past Services

Visitation

Thursday, July 1, 2021

4:00 - 7:00 pm (Eastern time)

E. P. Mahar and Son Funeral Home

628 Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201

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Funeral Mass

Friday, July 2, 2021

Starts at 11:00 am (Eastern time)

Sacred Heart Saint Francis de Sales Church

238 West Main Street, Bennington, VT 05201