Robert H. DeSmith ... sang leading opera roles; at 91

ROCHESTER - Robert H. DeSmith died at the age of 91 on March 18, 2023, in Rochester. Known as Bob by his family and many friends, he lived the majority of his adult life in West Simsbury, Conn. Born in Rochester, N.Y., he graduated from the University of Rochester, where he met his wife, Beverly (nee Wheeler) DeSmith. They were married in Rochester in 1954.

Shortly after their marriage, Bob and Bev moved to Barcelona, Spain, where he served as a Naval officer on a Sixth Fleet ship. Their oldest son, Steven, was born in Barcelona during that time. Following his tour of duty with the Navy in 1957, the family lived in the towns of Webster and Irondequoit, N.Y., for several years, where Robert was employed by General Dynamics Electronics until the company moved to San Diego in 1968. At that time, Robert was hired by United Technologies, Hamilton Standard Division, as a pogram manager in the Space Systems Division while earning his MBA from Western New England University. He retired from Hamilton Standard in 1991.

During his retirement years, Robert enjoyed many musical pursuits, including singing leading roles with a local Connecticut operetta company and with the Hartford Barbershop Society organization, where he served as president for two years. For 15 years during his retirement, Robert served as a counselor with the Hartford Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), where he served in several executive positions, including president for two years. Robert also served on several ad hoc committees for the Town of Simsbury, including the Simsbury Main Street Partnership.

Robert is survived by his sons David DeSmith of Natick, Mass., Gary DeSmith of Rochester; and Matthew DeSmith of Torrington, Conn.; along with six grandchildren: Casey, Kirin, Kylene, Red, Marcel, and Remi DeSmith. He was predeceased by his wife and two sons, Steven and Thomas DeSmith.