Obituary of Lawrence M. Smith

Lawrence “Larry” M. Smith passed away peacefully on March 23, 2025, at Mount Auburn Hospital, just steps from the Charles River and only seven weeks after the passing of his beloved wife, Margaret “Peggy” Smith. He was 88 years old.

Larry was born and raised in Somerville, MA, and graduated from Somerville High School in 1955. His childhood was filled with summers at the family’s cottage on Foster’s Pond in Andover, MA. He eventually settled in Billerica, where he and Peggy raised their family, before retiring to Barnstable on Cape Cod, where Larry could often be found playing bocce, yard golf, or fine-tuning his lawn to an enviable weed-free green.

Larry was the beloved husband of the late Margaret A. Smith, who passed on February 2, 2025. He was the devoted father of Timothy Smith; Shannon Smith and her husband, Christopher Targett; Shawn Smith and Yolanda Molina; and Todd Smith and his wife, Brittany Smith (née Powell). Larry was a proud and loving grandfather to Brittany Smith, Mackenzie Targett, Madison Targett, Matthew Smith, Tyler Smith, Madeline Lombardo, and Blake Smith, and a cherished great-grandfather to Weston Micu.

He was the youngest of five children born to the late Everett Smith and Lillian Smith (née Lockwood). He was the beloved brother of the late Bernice Barnaby (née Smith) and her husband, Ivan “Barney” Barnaby; the late Donald Smith and his wife, Mary Smith (née Thibodeau); the late Gerald Smith and his wife, Claire Smith (née Picard); and Shirley DiRusso (née Smith) and her late husband, Ralph. He was the brother-in-law of Patrick and Maureen Scott (née Fitzgerald), and the late Robert Fitzgerald. He was also a fun and unforgettable cousin, a beloved uncle to many nieces and nephews, and a favorite neighborhood dad—known for his energy, sense of adventure, and always making things a little more fun for everyone around him.

Larry was proud to have served in both the U.S. Army and the U.S. Navy—something only Larry could have pulled off. He was honorably discharged from both branches and carried a deep sense of pride in his unique service. Later in life, he earned his Captain’s license through the U.S. Coast Guard, a milestone he was especially proud of. He not only held the license but taught the course for many years, sharing his love of the water and navigation with others.

A true entrepreneur, Larry owned and operated Radiant Venetian Blind Co., a business that still thrives today under his son’s leadership. In the early days, he ran the business from Davis Square and brought his father in to work alongside him. In his later years, he moved the business to Billerica, where he worked side by side with his eldest son—continuing to share his knowledge, values, and work ethic across generations.

Larry had a deep love for the water and boating. From his early days on Foster’s Pond, pulling pyramids of water skiers—young and old—behind his 14-foot, double-bench Arkansas Traveler powerboat, to navigating Boston Harbor, the Charles River, and Cape Cod Bay aboard their cabin cruisers—Ups and Downs and later Blind Faith—he was always the captain, wearing a big smile and chasing adventure to the limits. He and Peggy, longtime members of the Riverside Yacht Club, spent many joyful years exploring the waters together. When the seasons changed, so did the adventure—winter meant snowmobiling. Larry took his kids on long rides

through snowy trails, sometimes solo, sometimes in a pack, always seeking the thrill and sharing the fun.

He also had a passion for creating beautiful outdoor spaces. In Billerica, he was once recognized with a Yard Beautification Award, and he brought that same dedication to his home in Barnstable, where he carved a perfectly manicured bocce court into the lawn and laid out a sprawling yard golf course that looped around the house. These weren’t just hobbies—they were stages for laughter, friendly competition, and countless cherished family memories.

Larry adored his friends and family, finding joy in every gathering, big or small. He had the gift of gab and a way of turning friends into family—swapping stories over endlessly reheated tea and always up for a good time with his favorite people.

A joint wake service for Larry and Peggy Smith will be held on Friday, March 28th, from 4 to 7 p.m. at Burns Funeral Home, 354 Boston Rd., (Rt. 3A),  in Billerica. All are welcome to pay their respects.

The planned celebration of life for Peggy will now be a celebration of both of their lives, held at Davio’s Seaport on Sunday, April 6th, from 11:30 AM to 2:30 PM. Due to space constraints, we kindly ask close friends and family to join us in honoring their memory.

Larry and Peggy’s love story spanned decades, adventures, and generations. Married on June 15, 1963, they are now reunited, and their legacy lives on through the many lives they touched.