Belchertown - Leo J. Smith, Jr., 50, of Belchertown, passed away on Monday, April 22, 2024 at home.
He was born in Ware, son to Leo J. Smith, Sr., whom he leaves behind, and to Sandra M. Smith who predeceased him. He also leaves behind his beloved children, Alayna Paulajka and her husband Noah, Summer Muzerall, Caitlynne Martin, IvyRose Hoyle, Ciara Hoyle, Chance Smith, and Cheyenne Smith; his siblings, Terri Kamienski, Pete Kamienski, Jason Smith and his wife Mandy, Celena Smith, Keith Smith and his wife Julie, and Crystal Smith; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his siblings, Melissa and Brian Smith.
Leo worked primarily as a forklift operator at Sherwood Lumber Corporation in Bondsville for 10 years. He also worked previously at Quaboag Rubber in North Brookfield, and Universal Forest Products in Belchertown.
Leo was a loving son, devoted father, a kind and caring brother, and an incredible friend to many. He enjoyed rebuilding antique clocks, shooting darts from a very young age, riding his motorcycle, and supporting the Boston Red Sox and San Francisco 49ers. He also enjoyed attending many rock concerts with his friends. However, the time he spent visiting with his family and friends all over the country was what he loved most of all. His signature Whoot-Whoot every time he entered any room to announce his grand entrance was welcomed by all.
He was a lifelong member of the Ware River Dart League, where he served as the league's current President. Leo started in the league in the late 80s shooting youth darts with Jason, where he found national success, being highly ranked in the US. Leo, with his brothers Jason and Keith honored their younger brother Brian’s memory by winning five WRDL league championships together. Leo was also a past league champion of the Greater Springfield Dart League.
Calling hours for Leo will be held on Thursday, April 25, 2024 from 4 to 7 pm in the Charbonneau Funeral Home, 30 Pleasant Street in Ware. A funeral service will be held the following day, Friday, April 26, 2024 at 10:30 am in the funeral home. Burial will be held in the Mount Carmel Cemetery in Ware immediately following the funeral service. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Leo’s memory to the American Lung Association, 393 Maple Street, Springfield, MA 01105, or online at https://lung.org.
An online guestbook is available at charbonneaufh.com
To send flowers
to the family or plant a tree
in memory of Leo J. Smith, Jr., please visit our floral store.