William J. Smith

William J. “Bill” Smith, Jr. 75, of Fairfield passed away peacefully with his wife by his side on February 8, 2024. Bill was the beloved husband of Martha Schleier Smith. He was born in Stamford on October 10, 1948 to the late William J. Sr. and Marie Horton Smith of Stamford.

After graduating Stamford High School, Bill moved on to the University of New Haven where he received a Bachelor of Arts in business, which led him to a long sales career in the heating and
plumbing industry. Bill so enjoyed his time on the golf course upon retirement and became a course starter and ranger at the Fairfield Par 3 golf course.

Bill was a huge Yankees fan and a frustrated Jets fan and watched every game regardless of the outcome. He spent many hours on a baseball field from a young age playing baseball and men’s softball in his later years. As a dad, he was an even bigger fan of watching his sons Bill and Jeff play football, baseball, basketball, and hockey. As their coach, he was able to instill the love of the game in his sons.

Undoubtedly, his proudest moments were spent around his grandchildren. He loved watching Shelby’s belt tests in karate and graceful ballet recitals, along with being Mason’s and AJ’s biggest fan at their lacrosse and soccer games.

In addition to his wife Martha, he is survived by his sons William III and Jeffrey (Nicki), grandchildren Shelby, Mason and AJ, and his nephew Michael Shay. Besides his parents, he was predeceased by his daughter-in-law, Jennifer, and siblings Ruth Fraioli, Nancy Shay and Jack Dyas.

Friends and family may visit at the Spear-Miller Funeral Home, 39 South Benson Rd., Fairfield, CT on Saturday February 24, 2024 from 10AM-1PM, with a prayer service at 1PM.