Alfred G. Smith, Sr., 84, of Vero Beach, died Monday, Aug. 17, 2009, at the Indian River Medical Center in Vero Beach. Mr. Smith was born Oct. 17, 1924, in Rockaway, Queens, N.Y., to John and Irene Smith. In 1945, he married Helen G. Kucker and in 1974 they moved to Vero Beach from East Rockaway, N.Y.
He had been a New York City Fire Fighter and was a veteran of WW II, serving in the US Navy Seabees. Mr. Smith was a member of St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach, the FDNY Retirees Association, D.A.V., Knights of Columbus, life member of the American Legion, Vero Beach and Treasure Coast Barbershop Chorus, Amateur Radio Operators, Vero Beach Senior Rhythm Band and Chorus, Lawrence-Cedarhurst Volunteer and Exempt Fireman Benevolent Association, Inc., and many other activities. Survivors include his wife, Helen; sons, Thomas (Chris) Smith, George (Marilyn) Smith, and Phillip (Jane) Smith; daughter-in-law, Pat; 10 grandchildren, Anne, Pattie, Alfred III, Kirsten, Lauren, Thomas, Margaret, PJ, Kerry and Leigh Ann; sister, Terry (Lenny) Kraemer; and sister-in-law, Gloria (James) Hughes.
He was predeceased by his son, Alfred G. Smith Jr., in 2005.
The family will receive friends 4 – 7 p.m., Thursday, Aug. 20, at the Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home in Vero Beach. Mass will be celebrated 10 a.m., Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Helen Catholic Church in Vero Beach. Interment will be at Arlington National Cemetery.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cox-Gifford-Seawinds Funeral Home and Crematory, Vero Beach, Florida. Condolences may be sent through www.seawindsfh.com/obit.php.