07/03/2025
Edward L. “Eddie” Smith Jr., a longtime resident of Woburn, passed away peacefully at home on June 30th, surrounded by his loving family.
Beloved husband of the late Eleanor Bridget (Dever) Smith, Eddie was the cherished father of Marah Sbardelli and her husband Peter, Edward L. Smith III and his wife Sue, William D. Smith and his wife Elaine, Regina A. Smith, Timothy P. Smith and his wife Rosangela, Patricia A. Smith, Dennis A. Smith, and Thomas P. Smith and his wife Kristel. He was a proud grandfather to Eleanor, Peter, Patrick, Jed, Jenny, Thomas, Dennis, Kevin, Sophie, Chloe, and Liam, and a loving great-grandfather to Matt, Anna, Emma, Maia, and a new great-grandchild expected this fall. He was an “honorary” grandfather to Gabriel.
Eddie is also survived by his sisters-in-law, Mary Gorman and Fran Smith, as well as many devoted nieces, nephews, lifelong friends and caring neighbors.
He was predeceased by his parents, Edward L. and Mary (Leahy) Smith, his siblings Patricia Smith, Nancy O’Leary, Mary Pacheco, and Paul Smith, and his in-laws William and Mary (Gilgun) Dever, John O’Leary, John Pacheco, William and Therese Dever, John Gorman, Tom and Ann (Dever) Doherty, Jake and Anne Dever, Fr. Dennis A. Dever, and Marjorie Dever.
Eddie grew up in Somerville, MA, where he attended St. Catherine’s School. He then went on to Boston College High School, where he was a standout basketball player. His junior year team went undefeated and made it to the State Finals, ultimately falling to Belmont. That team, including Eddie, was later inducted into the BC High Sports Hall of Fame. After high school, Eddie attended Boston College, earning a Bachelor of Science in History in 1954.
On Labor Day weekend in 1950, while on a trip to Hampton Beach, he met the love of his life, Eleanor Dever of Woburn. Their courtship continued even while he served in the Army after graduation from college. A year into his service, he came home on leave and they were married at St. Charles Church on June 18, 1955. Eddie served honorably and is a Korean Wartime Veteran. He reached the rank of Corporal before concluding active duty in 1956 and remained in the Army Reserves until receiving his Honorable Discharge in 1962.
Eddie and Eleanor bought their first home on Hart St in Woburn with help from the GI Bill and began to grow their family. Marah, their first child, was born while Eddie was still serving. Soon after came Ned, Billy, Gina and Timmy. The growing family needed a bigger house, so the move was made to Lawrence Street where Patty, Dennis and Tommy joined the family. That home remained Eddie’s for the rest of his life.
Eddie affectionately referred to his family as his “instant crowd” or “cast of thousands” and they remained close-knit through the years. A treasured tradition was spending every summer together at Long Beach in Rockport, their favorite spot.
Eddie lost his wife, Eleanor, to cancer in 1977. He continued to act as the compass for his family, showing them the way in his dual role as Mom and Dad. Leading by example and demonstrating the importance of having a positive impact on the lives he touched. He was a mentor to many, helping them to start their careers, find employment through his connections and build their businesses.
Professionally, Eddie spent his career working in the burgeoning computer industry. After a brief stay at IBM, he spent the majority of his career at Honeywell and later at Wang Labs. He made many friends in this profession as well.
Beyond his love of family, friends and neighbors, Eddie enjoyed tennis, golf, cribbage, black coffee, Boston Sports teams, Summers at Long Beach in Rockport, winters in Naples, FL, visits to Falmouth and drives along the coast, grace before a big meal, teaching his children and grandchildren how to drive, attending family sporting events and performance arts, a good joke…, a bad joke and self-deprecating humor – nothing was off limits. He also did much to help the Catholic Church as a Eucharistic Minister or lending his velvety smooth voice as lector and later, his business acumen.
He was also proud of his Irish heritage and the Irish “exchange program” he helped establish with his cousins from Ireland. All of his children and a some of his grandchildren made the trip to Ireland. Some with him and some on their own. He was proud to see his children and grandchildren continue the tradition.
The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to Eddie’s wonderful caregivers—Habid, Donna, Lisa, Emily, Tammy, Nanci, his favorite nurse – “Alice” and Dr Arslanian —for their dedication and compassionate care. A special thank you goes to his grand-niece, Erin Jones, his “best pal,” who brought joy and energy to his Thursdays as his physical therapy buddy and dance partner.
Eddie will be greatly missed by all, but rest assured, “if he were any better, he’d be with his wife in heaven”. And now he is.
A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 9th at 11:30 a.m. in St. Charles Church, 280 Main Street, Woburn. Calling hours will be held prior to the Mass from 9:00 – 11:15 a.m. at the Lynch-Cantillon Funeral Home, 263 Main Street, Woburn. Interment will take place privately at the convenience of the family. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Eddie’s memory to: VA Bedford HCS, 200 Springs Road, Bedford, MA 01730
