Kenneth Smith

Dr. Kenneth L. Smith, 92, of Ocala, FL, filled with the unfailing love of God, his family, and friends, died peacefully at his home on October 9, with his wife Linda by his side. Kenneth was born on February 7, 1929, in a home built by his father, in Glendale, Los Angeles County, CA, to parents Royden Frank Smith and Antonette Marie (Quagliano) Smith. His family moved to CT around 1933, and at the age of eight, he began to experience all the fun and excitement of living on Lake Wangumbaug, also known as Coventry Lake. He would go on to tell endless stories of that cherished youthful time in his life, including meeting famed banjo player, Eddie Peabody, while at Hinkles Restaurant. After graduating from Windham High School in Willimantic, CT, in 1947, Kenneth worked full time in the actuarial department at Aetna in Hartford, as well as at Metropolitan Insurance in Willimantic, while attending classes at the University of Connecticut. Although his father offered to buy him a Ford, if he would accept a big job promotion in Torrington, CT, Kenneth had other plans. Known by many for his determination and perseverance, he went on to fulfill his lifelong dream of becoming a doctor, thanks to the sacrifices and financial support of family, and earned his doctorate degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 1960. He held treasured memories from every phase of his medical career, starting with his Internship in Cranston, RI, where he said he had lots of experiences and opportunities to do various things-one such experience was doing the surgical repair on a man that came into the ER "with his ear dangling," and being told by one of his surgical mentors, Dr. Foster True, that he did "a masterful job", "like a cosmetic surgeon." Kenneth enjoyed private practice in Scituate and in Greenville, RI, prior to his 1976 move to Mt.Dora, FL, where he built the Morningside Clinic and was on staff at Waterman Memorial Hospital. He also loved the opportunity to periodically fly to Maine to teach Electrocardiography at the New England College of Osteopathic Medicine. He and his wife Linda moved to Lewisburg, WV, in 1982, for 3 years, during which time he served as Associate Dean of Clinical Sciences at the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, and developed the curriculum and clinical rotation sites for 3rd and 4th year medical students. Lewisburg was also the place where Kenneth and Linda were both baptized as born-again believers, forging lasting friendships with those who helped them to grow in their faith. Kenneth has been described by those who know him best as "intelligent, dedicated, intellectually curious, kind-hearted, compassionate, hardworking, persistent, loving, and inspiring." All those qualities would become evident when he moved to Norristown, PA, in 1985, and embarked on a 3 year endeavor to complete his Internal Medicine Residency and Cardiology Fellowship, which eventually led to him becoming Board Certified in both specialty areas. Kenneth was a Fellow of the American College of Cardiology and one of 300 charter members of the American Society of Nuclear Cardiology. Word of mouth was all the advertising needed for Kenneth to build a successful Cardiology office and hospital practice in Ocala, FL, from 1989-2001, after which time he was engaged in strictly Nuclear Cardiology for the final 8 years of his medical career. He was a "sweet man", in the eyes of many who hated the thought of him retiring, even at the age of 80. It was a blessing indeed to have known him. Kenneth is survived by his wife, Linda C. Smith, to whom he was married for 44 years, and by his 8 children: Jodi Ann (Smith) Bush, wife of Ronald Bush, Johnston, RI; Randy Jean (Smith) Roberti, widow of Ralph Roberti, Vero Beach, FL; Lynn Marie (Smith) Houle, wife of Edward Houle, Warwick, RI; Dale Patrice (Smith) Pattie, wife of John Pattie, Chepachet, RI; Kenneth Lee Smith, Jr., husband to Anna Smith; Brian Douglas Smith, Saunderstown, RI; Gregg Alan Smith, husband to Michelle Smith, Chandler, AZ; and Lissa Renee Smith, Smithfield, RI. He is also blessed to be survived by 19 grandchildren: Lindsay, Courtney, Rhea, Derek, Jessica, Jonathan, Vanessa, Kyle, Chad, Shawn, Ashley, Nathan, Kristin, Marissa, Lauren, Brenden, Brice, Kaitlyn, and Nicole. In addition there are 26 beautiful great grandchildren and 1 beautiful great-great granddaughter who are blessed to be part of his amazing family. Kenneth was preceded in death by his brother, Robert Stanley Smith, of Bolton, CT, as well as his brother, Royden Frank Smith, Jr., of Storrs, CT, and by a beloved sister who loved and spoiled him, Dorothy (Smith) Charter of Winter Haven, FL. Those who knew Kenneth best were not only aware of his love of family, but of his passion for airplanes, thrill of travel, and his endless quest for another dish of ice-cream. Please join us at the Celebration of Life service, officiated by Pastor/Dr. Alan Cotney, on November 20, 2021, at 10a.m., at College Road Baptist Church, 5010 SW College Road, Ocala, FL, 34474. A private family luncheon is scheduled for the afternoon, following the service.

Kenneth Smith

February 7, 1929 - October 9, 2021