Manley H. Smith, Jr. ’55

KENNEBUNK – Manley H. Smith, Jr., 83, of Kennebunk, a loving husband, father, and grandfather, died peacefully on Monday evening, January 25, 2016 at Southern Maine Health Care in Biddeford following a brief illness. He was born in Old Town on April 23, 1932, the son of Manley H. Smith, Sr., and Thelma P. (Haskell) Smith.

He grew up in Old Town where he graduated from Old Town High School, Class of 1951. He was accepted into the Maine Maritime Academy, earning his Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering. Following graduation, he joined the U.S. Navy, where he served aboard the USS Seminole (AKA-104). After his discharge from the Navy in 1957, Manley worked as a Merchant Marine aboard various tanker ships until he met his future wife, the former Mary Round, in December 1964. Following a whirlwind romance, they were married on September 25, 1965, at St. Mary’s Church in Orono, ME. Manley and Mary celebrated their 50th Wedding Anniversary this past year.

He enjoyed spending time at the family camp on Cold Stream Pond which he helped build with his father and a local carpenter. He loved boating and tinkering around the house with multiple projects. He was a master woodworker, constructing his own boat, and much of the furniture in his kids’ bedrooms. His degree in Mechanical Engineering put him in high demand when it came to fixing his children’s automobiles over the years.

Manley enjoyed the simple things in life, shunning any attention from outside sources. He was quiet and easy going, never prone to yelling or raising his voice. Manley was generous with his time and had a loving nature. He was, by all family accounts, the “BEST husband and father ever!”

He is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Mary Smith of Kennebunk; two sons, David Smith and wife Tara of Arundel, Peter Smith of Standish; three daughters, Serena Deets and husband Gary of Willington, CT, Stephanie Smith of Scarborough, Jennifer Healy and husband Gary of York; three sisters, Dorothy Smith Haverlock of Old Town, Janet Smith Campbell and husband Merlin of Old Town, Joan Smith Burgoyne of Vero Beach, FL; eight grandchildren: Nick, Jenna, Ethan, Leah, Natalie, Maya, Kara and Chris.

A Celebration of Manley’s life will be held this coming Summer at the family camp on Cold Stream Pond in Enfield, ME. Should friends choose, memorial donations in his name are encouraged to: Maine Public Broadcasting Network, 323 Marginal Way, Portland, ME 04101.

To share a memory or leave a message of condolence, please visit Manley’s Book of Memory Page at www.bibberfuneral.com.

Arrangements are in care of Bibber Memorial Chapel, 67 Summer Street, Kennebunk, ME 04043.