Robert T. Smales ’46 died on May 23, 2016, in Danvers, Massachusetts.

(The following was published in The Enterprise on May 27, 2016):

Robert “Bob” T. Smales Sr. passed away on May 23, 2016, at Twin Oaks Care Facility in Danvers. After a short and contentious battle, he died peacefully in his sleep. He was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Elizabeth (Bette), and leaves 3 children, R. Thomas Smales and his wife Kathleen, Stacia Nancy Smales-Hill and her husband Robert Hill, and Alison K Pinkava and her husband Harold; as well as 11 grandchildren and 11 great-grandchildren. Bob was born in Providence, R.I., the son of Holbert T. (Bob) and Adeline Smales of Middletown, R.I. He graduated from Rogers High School in Newport, R.I., in 1942 and from Bowdoin College, Brunswick, Maine, in 1948 (Class of 1946) with an A.B. in Mathematics and Psychology. His college education was interrupted when he enlisted in U.S. Army during World War II and he was honorably discharged in 1945 as Staff Sgt. after combat service in North Africa, Italy, France and Germany. Bobs working career was mainly in the insurance industry, Liberty Mutual Insurance Company, Lumbermans Mutual Casualty Co., both of Boston, and Electric Mutual Liability Insurance Co. Lynn as Regional Vice President, and Electric Insurance Co. Lynn as Vice President and member of Board of Directors. He retired May 1, 1986. Bob did take a small break from the insurance industry in 1962. He served as town manager for the town of Stoughton from 1962-1966. However, Bob was always active in local politics, both before and after his stint as town manager. He served on the Finance Committees of the towns of Stoughton1955-1962 and Topsfield 1974-1979, becoming chairman of both. He served on the Masconomet Regional School Committee for Topsfield, chairman 1979-1988, and the Board of Selectmen, Topsfield, chairman, 1988-1991, and on the Insurance Committee, Topsfield, 1991. After his retirement in 1986 he spent many winters in Holmes Beach, on Anna Maria Island, Fla., and in his later years divided his time between Nichols Village in Groveland and Holmes Beach, Fla. Bob was a former member of several professional groups. He was very active and committed to New Meadows Lodge, A.F.& A.M., where he was a past Master, and to St. Johns Lodge, A.F. & A.M., of Newburyport. He loved his volunteer work with Flying Horse Stables and Ledyard Horse Trials which he did for several years, as well as Groton House Farm Horse Trials, Hamilton, where for many years he was Starter and Chief Timer. For the last several years he had been a director. He loved to fish and he loved woodworking. He loved to play golf and refused to play from the senior tees; and he walked the course every time. Bob developed a love for baking in his later years, and his pies, cakes and cookies were welcomed whenever he brought them, and he brought them often.