Richard James Smith

Richard James Smith, age 83, left this life peacefully at home on July 22, 2018. He is survived by his loving wife, Rita, of 59 years; children, Russell Smith (Kathy) of Whitehouse Station, NJ; Roxanne Rickard (Rick) of Williamsburg and Roger Smith (Melanie) of Woodinville, WA; and nine grandchildren, Craig Forte, Kimberly Mann (Michael), Jennifer Smith, Curtis Forte, Marley Smith, Deanna Smith, Rayne Smith, Dakota Smith and Sierra Smith. Richard was born in Chicago, IL to parents Bernice and Anthony.
He received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Illinois Institute of Technology and then a Master of Business Administration from The University of Chicago. His education allowed his entry into industrial management positions. He became interested in water quality and received his certification as a WQA Certified Water Specialist. He then formed his own water treatment company, Pro-Flo Products, Inc. in Wayne, NJ.
When Richard retired, he and his wife, Rita moved to Lake Gaston in Virginia. Smith’s Lake House was where family and friends gathered. He enjoyed fishing and telling fish tales about the one that got away! Time moved on and it was decided to move closer to family, so they were welcomed by their daughter, Roxanne, to Williamsburg, Va.
Rich enjoyed doing all sorts of puzzles, especially jigsaw. He found his niche by lending a helping hand in the food pantry at St. Olaf’s Catholic Church.
Visitation will be at Bucktrout Funeral Home, 4124 Ironbound Road, Williamsburg, VA on Friday, July 27th from 6 to 7:30pm. A Funeral mass will be held on Saturday, July 28, 2018 at 10am at St.Olaf Catholic Church.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Food Pantry at St. Olaf Catholic Church, 104 Norge Lane, Williamsburg, VA 23188. The family of Richard would like to extend a special thank you to Sentara Hospital and Hospice services for their care and compassion.