Larry Robert Smith

New London - Larry Robert Smith of New London, passed away peacefully after a long illness Friday evening April 4, 2025 at 6:25 p.m. He was surrounded with the love of family and friends. "Loveable guy," Larry as he would sometimes refer to himself when in trouble with the wife, was born May 15, 1951, along with his twin brother Lenny Smith, to Julia and William Smith of Newport, R.I.

Larry loved his hometown and had fond memories of growing up there with his tribe of siblings. He enjoyed surfing, hamburgers, and ice cream floats. After graduating from Rogers High School there,

he moved to Connecticut and pursued his life purpose of being a Christian minister of one of Jehovah's Witnesses.

Larry met the love of his life Martha "Tita" Tremblay at the 1969 International Convention of Jehovah's Witnesses in New York City. They married and had two children, Micah and Leah Smith. Micah shared his love of sports and having fun. And Leah shared his love of the "power of words" both written and spoken, along with other creative, artistic traits.

He was a fun-loving family man, who, not having a father in his own life, would like to make you feel

special. Or to get a reaction. He would sing to his wife, play his son's favorite sports, and say "My beautiful daughter Leah" to his little girl. He loved small gestures of thoughtfulness but also the occasional grand gesture or surprise.

He provided for his family by means of his job with Amtrak for almost 35 years working under various positions in the communication and signals department, including as a regional safety instructor for New England. Larry was always turning down overtime, so he could spend time with his family and do God's work.

Family time included traveling and teaching his kids God's Word. God's work included

volunteering at the local prison centers in Niantic, trying to reach hearts and minds with the beautiful message of hope and redemption from the Bible that was close to his heart. He also enjoyed giving public talks at local Kingdom Halls.

Larry led a full, dynamic and purpose-filled life and had a one-in-a-million personality that will be deeply missed. The family loves to hear stories small and great of their dear Larry. Larry's family is immeasurably comforted by our faith and sure hope of the resurrection when paradise is restored to

earth by means of God's Kingdom.

He is survived by his lovely wife Martha; and two loyal children, Micah and Leah, who were with him to the end; beloved grandchildren, Anika and Alex, who knew him as their Popi; and great-grandchild Analeia, who new him as Popito. He had 13 awesomely diverse siblings. He is predeceased by brothers, Freddy Hill and Gerry Hill; sisters. Arlene Hill, Dottie Rogers, Evelyn Young, Audrey Fisher, Alethia "Connie" Hill and Wilhelmina Stovall. Surviving siblings are sisters, Betty Shell and Helene Smith; brothers, William Smith, twin Lenny Smith; and surfing buddy brother Bobby Smith. Also surviving are dozens of beautiful nieces and nephews whom he loved and was affectionately known as Uncle Larry.

The Memorial talk will be held at 3 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the Kingdom Hall of Jehovah's Witnesses, 57 Clark Lane in Waterford.

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