WWII veteran was an airplane mechanic
Published in the November 18, 2015 edition
LYNNFIELD — Horace F. “Freddy” Smith, 90, a resident of Lynnfield, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, Nov. 14.
Mr. Smith was born in Stoneham on Aug. 27, 1925, one of three children of the late Horace E. and Elizabeth G. (Friberg) Smith. He was raised in Malden and graduated from Malden High School.
Shortly after graduating, he was drafted into the U.S. Army on Sept. 29, 1943. A veteran of World War II, Mr. Smith served in the 47th Infantry Regiment under General George Patton until his honorable discharge on April 25, 1946. He was a recipient of the European African Middle Eastern Theater Campaign Ribbon, American Theater Ribbon, Good Conduct Medal, Victory Medal and Army of Occupation Medal of Germany.
Mr. Smith returned home to continue his education at Boston University where he received his degree in Aerospace Mechanics.
In 1966, he married the love of his life, Janet and they settled in Lynnfield. Horace, who was lovingly known by all as “Freddy,” worked for United Airlines for over 40 years.
He began his career as an airplane mechanic at La Guardia in New York where he worked for 15 years then transferred to Boston’s Logan International Airport for the remainder of his career. He and Janet were devoted to each other and, as employees of the airlines, they were able to travel extensively throughout the world. They traveled throughout the world but loved particular trips to South America, Australia and numerous vacations to Hawaii and Ireland. They also enjoyed spending some time during the winter at their home or at the beach in Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.
With his vast experience in airplane mechanics and a longtime interest in automobiles, Freddy was known for his deep knowledge and expertise in repairing automobiles. He performed his own repairs and often helped his friends with small repairs or advice with their cars. Freddy’s love for the automobile goes back to the 1930s and his working knowledge continued to modern day mechanics.
In his free time at home, he loved watching the History Channel or the World Series of Poker. Freddy loved reminiscing about his time in the service and always loved learning anything related to World War II. Most of all, Freddy was devoted to his wife Janet and was happiest when they were together.
Horace was the beloved husband of the late Janet G. (O’Brien) Smith with whom he shared 37 years of marriage. He was the dear brother of the late Ethel Page and Clyde Smith. He was the loving uncle of Donald Smith and his wife Beth of Lynnfield, Robert Smith and his wife Angela of North Berwick, Maine and John Smith of Quincy. He was the cherished grand uncle of Jason Smith of Savannah, Ga. and Christopher Smith of Colorado Springs, Colo. Freddy also leaves his best friend of over 80 years, Robert Morgan of Wakefield.
Relatives and friends will gather in honor and remembrance of Freddy’s life during visiting hours at the Robinson Funeral Home, 809 Main St., Melrose on Wednesday, Nov. 18, from 4 to 7 p.m., and again on Thursday morning for his funeral service celebrated at 10 a.m.
Interment at Puritan Lawn Memorial Park, Peabody. For online tribute, visit RobinsonFuneralHome.com.
