William A. Smyth, 84, of Simsbury, beloved husband of Kathryn A. (Parente) Smyth, died Tuesday, July 18, 2017 at Hartford Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born June 16, 1933 in Astoria, NY, son of the late Eugene and Emma (Zimmermann) Smyth and had lived in Simsbury for the past 55 years. Bill grew up in Jackson Heights and attended Chaminade High School in Mineola, NY. He was a graduate of Queens College, where he played varsity soccer. After college he was commissioned as Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force where he conducted atomic weapons research as part of the Special Weapons Center at Kirtland Air Force Base in Albuquerque, NM. Bill was an engineer for Kaman Aerospace and United Technologies Otis Elevator Division for many years prior to his retirement. He was a parishioner and Eucharistic Minister at St. Mary’s Church in Simsbury.

Bill enjoyed fishing, computers, crossword puzzles and Seinfeld reruns. He was an avid supporter of the UCONN Huskies, NY Giants, and NY Yankees, often times attempting to coach players through the TV. He faithfully attended the various sporting events of his children and grandchildren in all weather conditions. Throughout the years Bill was famous for his booming rendition of “Happy Birthday.”

Besides his loving wife of 59 years, he is survived by his five children: Glen Smyth and wife Karen of Canton, Kristin Ukleja and husband Mark of Sterling, VA, Blaise Smyth and wife Paula of West Hartford, Eugene Smyth and wife Linda of Granby, Eric Smyth and wife Sarah of Park City, UT, and his sister, Janice Ryan of Jericho, NY. Bill was a proud “Poppi” to his 13 grandchildren: Nicholas, Patricia, Emma, Sam, Connor, Kelly, Erin, Matthew, Heather, Grace, Natalie, Will, and Owen. He was predeceased by his brother, Eugene J. Smyth, Jr.

Friends may call at the Vincent Funeral Home, 880 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury on Sunday, July 23rd from 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM. Funeral Mass of Christian Burial will be Monday, July 24th, 10:00 AM at St. Mary’s Church, 942 Hopmeadow Street in Simsbury. Burial with military honors will follow in St. Bernard’s Cemetery in Tariffville. Memorial donations may be made to St. Mary’s Church, PO BOX 575, Simsbury, CT 06070. Please visit William’s “Book of Memories” at www.vincentfuneralhome.com for online condolences.