Atkinson, NH: Arthur F. Smith, Jr., age 70, of Atkinson, and known as "Smitty" or "brother" to friends and family, passed away peacefully, with his family by his side, on September 13, 2023, after a heroic two-year struggle with mesothelioma. He was born, raised and educated in Haverhill, MA, and was the son of the late Arthur F. and Shirley (Cook) Smith.

He leaves behind his fiancée, Marilyn Anderson and her children, Joshua Anderson and Daniel Anderson and her grandson, Matthew Anderson. He also leaves behind his five children, Sean Smith and his wife, Jocelyn, of Nottingham, NH, Todd Smith and his wife, Nichole of Salem, NH, Nicole Smith of Nashua, NH, Courtney Borden and her husband, Jeff, of Haverhill, MA and Ashley Smith and his wife, Katie of Pelham, NH, as well as one step child, Justin Oliver and his wife, Denise, of NJ and adopted daughter, Jessica Smith-Emia of Haverhill, MA. He was also the proud grandfather of eleven and great grandfather of six. He also leaves behind two sisters, Karen Allbach and her husband, Ronald and nephew, Alex Allbach of Haverhill, MA and Nancy Poore-Garrison and her husband, Frank, of Groveland, MA and nephew, Justin Poore and his fiancée, Adria Michitson, of Haverhill, and five great grand nieces and nephews.

Smitty held several jobs to support his family. He worked at Stan Fran Cable, Westville Homes and retired after thirty-one years from Joseph's Pasta as a level five warehouse supervisor. For thirty years, he had an early morning route delivering the Boston Globe throughout the local area. Whatever job he held, he made life-long friends along the way. He had a great sense of humor and was a storyteller of childhood and adolescent pranks. Most of all, he was very generous and had a big heart. He adored his children and instilled in them a solid work ethic, which has carried them successfully into adulthood. He was very proud of their accomplishments and would say, it was a "job well done, but often not easy."

Smitty took pleasure in the solitude of his backyard; he enjoyed watching the birds, particularly hummingbirds, and the wildlife that passed through.  However, he took the greatest pride in his vegetable garden. He grew several species of tomatoes, along with cucumbers, peppers and squash, sharing his bounty with family and friends.  He had a love of music, particularly old Rock n Roll, fishing and sports. He followed NASCAR racing, the Patriots, Bruins and Red Sox. He also enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in competitions and sporting events. When he could not attend, he viewed video clips of their many victories and few losses.

Smitty will be missed by his loving family and friends, as well as the acquaintances he helped when in need. He had a big heart and will be remembered for his love, generosity and compassion. Relatives and friends are respectfully invited to Smitty's funeral service to be held on Wednesday, September 20, 2023, at 11 a.m. at Brookside Chapel and Funeral Home, 116 Main St, Plaistow, NH. Burial will follow at Atkinson Cemetery, Main Street, Atkinson, NH.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation or St Jude Children's Research Hospital Fund.