George N. Smith
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Published in July 2024
George Smith of New Bedford passed away July 12, 2024 at Sacred Heart Nursing home after a 3 year battle with ALS. His was a life well-lived. George was born in Fairhaven Massachusetts to George and Irene (Lemery) Smith on April 23, 1944. He was the husband of his beloved wife, Nancy (Rolli) for 55 years. He was the proud father of Kelly Melo and loving grandfather of Lindsey Melo of Dartmouth. His love for his “three girls” knew no bounds. He was never too busy to step up to the plate and help each of us in any way he could.
He is survived by his brother Steven and his wife Diane of Taunton, Massachusetts, and his sister-in-law Mary Smith of New Bedford. He was predeceased by his brother Wanye who passed away in 1999.
George was a graduate of New Bedford Vocational high school, class of 1963. He received the New Bedford Vocational Career Achievement Award. He was a member of the building committee and alumni of GNBVT. He was employed for 33 years at New Bedford Gas and Edison Light Company (now Eversource) as a lineman and consumer relations representative. He was an active member of Local 333 Brotherhood of Utility Workers of New England where he served as local and national president. For several years, George served not only as a member, but also as president of Mass Senior Action Committee whose mission it is to stand up for the rights of the under-served elderly of Massachusetts.
George was a kind and caring person who dedicated much of his life to serving others. No problem was too great or too small to tackle. He proudly served as the Councilor of Ward 3 for 6 years. He was tireless in his efforts to make the City of New Bedford a better place for all who live here. He was involved with Coastline Elderly Services for over thirty years where he was president of the Board of Directors. He coordinated and delivered meals to shut ins on Thanksgiving and Christmas for many years. He received the prestigious Andrus Award in 2020 from AARP for his extraordinary commitment to improving the lives of others throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
He served on the City of New Bedford Planning Board, Commission for Disabilities, and Council on Aging. He was tireless in his effort to make sure that those who needed it were able to have a better life. He never said “no” to anyone who needed his help. He was also a proud lifetime member of the NAACP.
As his health declined George was admitted to Sacred Heart Nursing Home in New Bedford. From the time he arrived, he became a member of the resident council where he voiced his opinions loudly and clearly – once again advocating for those who could not do so for themselves.
Our family would like to extend our appreciation to those who helped George during his illness. Our close friends, Beverly Marsh, Charles Johnson, Sheila Gallagher, Wilfred and Paula St Onge, Jean Bonneville, Dennis Fernandez and our late cousin William Rolli who visited him frequently. Thanks to Bob Shubert for everything he did. Although his body was broken, his mind and voice remained intact and he loved a lively conversation and reminiscing about the past. All of you who took the time to visit him did not go unnoticed. He was well-aware of the love and respect you had for him.
Heartfelt thanks also go out to Southcoast VNA Hospice team who helped us navigate this long and arduous journey. Their love, care, and guidance helped us get through this difficult time. We also want to thank the home health aides who took such good care of George while he was at home, the staff at Sacred Heart including nurses, CNAs, respiratory therapist, social worker, activities director, and everyone else helped to make his life a little easier. Please know that your kindness and efforts did not go unnoticed. George knew you cared about him and he appreciated it as did his family.
George’s love of life and his warm personality will be missed by all of those whose lives he touched. Life will go on without him, but it won’t be the same as it was. We hope that you think of him from time to time – not as he was at the time of his death, but as how he lived life to the fullest when he was alive.
Funeral arrangements are by Saunders-Dwyer Funeral Home 495 Park Street in New Bedford. Visiting hours will be held on Wednesday, July 17 from 4:00 to 8:00 PM. A funeral Mass will be held at Holy Name of the Sacred Heart of Jesus Church on Thursday at 10:00 AM. All are invited to meet directly at church. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in George’s name to CCALS P.O. Box 1052, West Falmouth, MA 02574.
