David Joseph Smith of Milford, Ohio passed away on August 1, 2026 at the age of 72.

David was born in Natick, Massachusetts and lived most of his life in Framingham, Massachusetts. A proud 1971 graduate of Framingham South High School, David was a genuine jack of all trades who worked in many different industries including grocery, auto service, private investigation, metal maintenance, food service and public transportation. He was an outdoorsman, hunter, gun collector and lifetime member of the National Rifle Association.

He was predeceased by his significant other of thirty-four years, Valentina "Tina" Paar. David is the cherished brother of Jeanne (Don) Dana, Bill (Terry) Smith and Ernie (Lesa Bailey) Smith, beloved Uncle Dave "UD" to 18 nephews, nieces and their spouses and great uncle to 13. He is the son of the late Ernest W. and Mildred A. "Lee" Smith.

To know David was beautifully expressed by his niece, Elisa Smith, who wrote to him the following message shortly before he passed:

"It has been such a joy to have you in my life for the past 20 years. I can't tell you how happy was when you moved here (to Ohio)                                and became an even bigger part of our lives.

You have always been such a pleasure to be around. Your cheerful disposition, your jokes, and your witty banter have been the                                   highlight of so many of our gatherings.

You are one of the kindest, most thoughtful, and caring people know. In case / don't get the chance to say all of this in person,                                   just want you to know how much you mean to me.

I love you, David. Thank you for your friendship, your laughter, and for being such an important part of my life."

All those who had the good fortune to know David felt the same way. His was a life truly well lived and he will be greatly missed by all his friends and family.

In lieu of flowers, donations in David's memory may be directed towards the Wounded Warrior Project.