US Army veteran
MELROSE — Allen M. Smith, a lifelong resident of Melrose, passed away peacefully after a brief battle with cancer surrounded by his loving family on Monday, May 6 at Melrose-Wakefield Hospital, at age 75.
Allen was born in Melrose on December 16, 1948, one of three children of the late George M. Smith and Mary (Miller) Smith. A native of Melrose, Allen graduated from Melrose High School with the Class of 1966, lettering in three sports with the football, track and gymnastics teams. While studying at UMASS, Allen was drafted by the US Army, serving his country honorably from 1968 to 1970 and finished earning his bachelor’s degree in 1972.
Allen met the love of his life, Diane DiGregorio on Plum Island and they were married on April 27, 1969. They settled in Melrose to start a family and Allen established his working career at AMC/Jeep and later Chrysler Corporation. Allen was a dedicated, hardworking and well respected Regional District Manager and Arbitration Coordinator in the automobile industry for many years. He found joy in his work and the many friendships and personal connections he made over his 40 year working career for Chrysler Corp.
In his free time, Allen was happiest when in the open air surrounded by nature. He loved the outdoors, especially walks on the beach with the dogs or photography excursions with Diane. Always ready for an adventure and never sedentary, he and Diane traveled extensively through Europe, the United States and Canada to experience the world as a couple. At home in Melrose, he volunteered often at Incarnation Church for many years and always maintained many friendships from high school, Plum Island and Chrysler.
Skilled with his hands, Allen was a self-taught carpenter and could fix anything. He was regularly outside repairing the house or puttering in the yard looking for a project. With his selfless nature, Allen was the first person to offer if any neighbors needed help in Melrose or Plum Island. His unconditional kindness, compassion and service to others were pillars of his life and his natural generosity provided for countless.
With quiet strength, Allen was a wonderful and dedicated husband, father and grandfather. He loved making his grandchildren laugh and his humble presence was always beloved by all. Allen will be deeply and sorely missed, but his friendly, genuine smile and generous nature will carry on as his legacy.
Allen was the beloved husband of Diane (DiGregorio) Smith with whom he shared 55 years of marriage. Devoted father of Kimberly Smith-McCue and her husband Michael McCue of Melrose. Cherished grandfather of Ashley, Julianne, Jillian and Michael McCue. Dear brother of Cheryl Smith and her husband John of Danvers and the late George H. Smith Jr and his late wife Susan.
Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to gather in honor of Allen’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Thursday, May 9 from 4 to 8 p.m. and again on Friday at 9 a.m. before leaving in procession to Incarnation Church, 429 Upham St., Melrose for his funeral Mass celebrated at 10 a.m. Interment in New Highland Cemetery, Ipswich. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
