Melvyn L Smith, 77, New Smyrna Beach FL died Sunday, August 9, 2009. Melvyn was born in Hartford, Connecticut. He served our nation in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict. He worked and retired from the Southeastern New England Telephone Company as a mental health counselor. Among the many accomplishments during his lifetime, he earned his Captains license and commissioned the “Manatee” tour boat in New Smyrna Beach where he served as “Captain Mel” until retirement.
He leaves to cherish his memory his wife Ruth, daughter Laurie Bogert of El Grande, CA, sons Melvyn Smith Jr of Old Saybrook, CT, David Smith of Littleton, CO, Francis Smith of Ridgewood, NJ and four grandchildren.
Donations are requested to either Southeast Volusia Hospice Care Center 4140 S Ridgewood Avenue Edgewater FL 32141 Alzheimer’s Association 225 N. Michigan Ave., Fl. 17 Chicago, IL 60601-7633.
Services will be scheduled at the convenience of the family.
Born in Hartford, CT, he served as a Staff Sergeant and trained medic in the National Guard and was stationed in Germany. He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and a Masters degree in Psychology at Southern Connecticut State University. Out of college he began his career with the Southern New England Telephone Company (SNET) as a sales and marketing manager, and retired 30 years later as Director of Human and Health Resources.
A resident of Madison, CT for 31 years he actively participated in land conservation and the Democratic Town Committee. He served as a member of both the Planning and Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. While a Director of the E.C. Scranton Memorial Library Mel also served as director of the Madison Land Conservation Trust, Inc, and was a member of the Elementary Education Committee of the Island Avenue P.T.A .
In 1968 he was appointed the Liaison Officer of the Save the Wetlands Committee, Inc for the town of Madison. In this position he lobbied the state of Connecticut to pass laws protecting the wetlands and ban the use of harmful pesticides.
As President of the Madison Jaycee's, Mel received the Distinguished Service Award and was named Young Man of the Year for his many contributions to the community.
In his leisure, Mel volunteered with the Madison Sports Association and was Umpire in Chief of the little league for several years. With a love for vintage sports cars held honor as Chairman of the Madison Monster Rally. An event which brought together automobile enthusiasts from around the state. Mel was easily recognized around town for his bright red 1958 Triumph TR3 which he and his three sons restored.
A love for outdoors and love for the sea brought Mel and his family on many adventures. He and his sons climbed 36 of the 48 four thousand foot peaks in the White Mountain Range.
Upon retiring, Mel and Ruth bought a sail boat and made three trips up and down the Atlantic sea coast wintering in the Bahamas and venturing as far south as Havana Cuba and more. They eventually settled in New Smyrna Beach FL, a favorite spot they found along the Inter-coastal Water Way. There, Mel earned his 100 Ton Captain's license and commission the Manatee, a small cruise ship used for scenic tours along mangrove shores of the Indian River. Known as Captain Mel by many, he enjoyed three years of cruising the river as captain of the Manatee along the protected wetlands he loved.
Of all that kept him busy the one thing he enjoyed most was sharing his love of travel, sailing, and hiking with his family. The Smith's have four children. Laurie, Melvyn Jr., Francis, and David. And they have four grandchildren, Maia, Eric, Reid, and Hailey.
The memory of his confidence, smile and his joy of life will continue on in those who knew him. Mel will be deeply missed by his family and friends who he loved so dearly.