Albert “Bert” J. Smith, 78, of Croydon, NH died Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 at the VA Medical Center in White River Jct., VT after a brief illness.

Albert was born on Aug. 12, 1931 in Bridgeport, CT., son of the late William Smith and Susan Smith. He was very active in the Croydon community serving as treasurer of the Croydon Historical Society and lifelong member and also as trustee of trust funds and cemeteries. Bert’s passion was genealogical research for the town and anything pertaining  to the  past of the town he loved and called home for 35 years.

Survivor’s include his wife of 52 years, Hildegard D. “Dotty” Smith; two sons, William H. Smith of Croydon, NH and Robert E. Smith of Southbury, CT.; two brothers, Robert E. Smith of Croydon, NH and John W. Smith of Colebrook, NH.; two half sisters, Elizabeth Bates and Marie Johnson both of NY; and three grand children, Eli, Adam and Savannah Smith  of Newport, NH. He was predeceased by a brother James B. Smith.

Bert served proudly and retired after 20 years in the US Army in 1971, enlisting in the Korean War and also having tours of duty in Germany, Iran and Vietnam. Among his many service ribbons, he has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal (twice) and the Army Commendation Medal (twice). He was also a member of the VFW and the American Legion. After retiring from the Army he was employed by the US Postal Service in White River Jct. VT. “Al” as he was known at the post office was an active member of  American Postal Workers Union serving as steward for a number of years and was ultimately elected President of the VT Area Local in 1981 and served in that position until his retirement in 1992. He was awarded a Federal Service Pin for his 40 years of federal service.

A celebration of his life will be held Saturday, Sept. 19, 2009 at the Croydon Fire Station in Croydon, NH from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm. Burial will be held privately in the East Village Cemetery on Cash Street in Croydon with Pastor Donna Leslie officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions made be to the Croydon Historical Society, 879 NH RT. 10, Croydon, NH 03773.