David Thomas Smith

PEABODY - David Thomas Smith died Tuesday, October 27, 2026 in Peabody, Massachusetts at the age of 91. Dave raised seven children with his beloved wife of nearly 60 years, Joan Mary (Rutledge) Smith, who predeceased him in March 2020.

Born on March 29, 1935, in Hamden, Connecticut, to Philip and Mabel (Quinn) Smith, Dave attended Hamden High School and Yale University and received a degree in Chemical Engineering. He spent 38 years working in planning for Mobil Oil Corp (later ExxonMobil), a career that took him to many corners of the world.

Dave and Joan met on a blind date. Although they both attended Hamden High School, their paths never crossed. They married in 1960 and started their family in Blackwood, New Jersey, where their first five children were born. Job transfers brought them next to Fairfield, Connecticut, where they welcomed two more children and made their home for the next 20 years, and then to Fairfax, Virginia. After retirement, they moved to Massachusetts: living first in Boston, then Reading, and finally at Brooksby Village in Peabody, where they enjoyed a warm and supportive community.

Dave found joy and solace in music. He loved being part of the Reading Community Singers, singing showtunes and holiday music in a lighthearted atmosphere. At Brooksby, he sang with several groups including the Protestant church choir, which brought him friendship and spiritual connection. His children were surprised to see their introverted father step up for the occasional Friday open mic night at Brooksby.

Dave and Joan loved to travel, starting out with rustic camping trips, moving to RV odysseys, and later taking more ambitious trips to other continents. Through these adventures, they encouraged their children and grandchildren to explore the world and to embrace new cultural experiences.

In their later years, Dave and Joan established a family gathering spot on Lake Winnipesaukee near Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. Grandpa spent many hours patiently at the helm while his grandchildren learned to waterski. He worked behind the scenes to bring to life many of Joan’s “summer fun” ideas, whether that meant grilling steak tips for the crowd or inflating the fun new dinosaur raft. Together, they created traditions and memories that will forever connect their 20 grandchildren.

Dave’s life was defined by his devotion to Joan, his love for his family, and his steady commitment to doing what was right. A man of patience, integrity and quiet strength, he leaves an enduring model that will continue to guide his family.

He is survived by his children and their families: Kathleen (Christopher) Vaccaro and their children, Kimberly (Maxime) Guillois, Benjamin, Jennifer (Samuel Otero) and Thomas; Karen (Thomas) Bricknell and their children, Nicolette, Joshua and Jordan; Michael Smith (Nora Demleitner) and their children, Cordell and Venetia; Kevin (Michelle) Smith and their children, Kallia, Jolie and Kellyn; Mark Smith (Neeta Kantu) and their children, Laila and Anya; Paul Smith (Aaron Sherer) and their children, Dustin, Taylor, Caden and Ryan; and Pamela (Brian) Zeiger and their children, Elliott and Poppy. He has two great-grandsons, Theo and Charles Guillois.

Dave is also survived by his brother Jerome Smith and is predeceased by his parents and brothers, Harold and Edward Smith.

ARRANGEMENTS: A Celebration of Life and reception will be held at Brooksby Village Chapel, 100 Brooksby Village Drive, Peabody, Massachusetts on Sunday, December 6, 2026, at 2:00 P.M. Assisting the family with the arrangements is O’Donnell Cremations – Funerals – Celebrations, 167 Maple St., Danvers, MA 01923. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please visit www.odonnellfuneralservice.com.