Leonard K. Smith M.D.

Smith, Dr. Leonard Kelley Dr. Leonard Kelley Smith, 87, died peacefully after a long-term illness on Wednesday, January 11, 2006, while surrounded by family and friends. He had practiced Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at three greater Hartford area hospitals: St. Francis, Newington Children?s and Rockville General Hospital from 1956-1988. Dr. Smith was a founder the New England Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons. He also served as a member of the Residency Review Committee for Plastic Surgery. Retiring at age 70, Dr. Smith enjoyed an accomplished career and many fine friends in the medical community. Dr. Smith was born in Springfield, MA, April 18, 1918 to Margaret Kelley and Earl Smith. He graduated from Deerfield Academy in 1937, a school he dearly loved and returned to often for class reunions. From Deerfield, Dr. Smith attended Amherst College Class of 1941 and University of Rochester Medical School. He served in the U.S. Navy during WWII and the Korean War. He completed his residency at Mary Hitchcock Memorial, Dartmouth, NH. Dr. Smith was proud of his New England heritage and valued small town community living. An avid athlete, Dr. Smith swam competitively in his day, skied, played tennis and generally was an enthusiastic player of any game. Earning his Eagle Scout award as a young boy, a love of nature and wilderness were lifelong fascinations. He was an active member of the West Avon Congregational Church, attending weekly service and teaching occasional Sunday school programs. He is survived by his wife, Suzanne Chesnut Smith of Avon, CT, five children and seven step-children: Geoffrey Smith of Barkhamsted, CT; Lawrence Smith of Montreal, Canada; Lynda Smith of West Hartford, CT; Brian Smith of Simsbury, CT; Jennifer Smith of West Chesterfield, NH; Susan Chesnut Stone of Colchester, CT; Nancy Chesnut Gautier of Hartford, CT; Mary Chesnut of West Hartford; Betsy Chesnut Walsh of Somers, CT; Caroline Chesnut Blair of Wellesley, MA; Sara Chesnut Prete of Colorado Springs, CO; and Amy Chesnut Crowley of Andover, MA. In addition to three daughter-in-laws, and six son-in-laws, Dr. Smith was blessed with 17 grandchildren who loved their Papa. A memorial service will be held at the West Avon Congregational Church, 280 Country Club Road, Avon, CT, on Monday, January 16, 2006 at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church. Memorial donations may be made to Operation Smile, a non-profit organization specializing in cleft lip and cleft palate reconstructive surgery and treatment for underprivileged children in developing countries. 1-800-358-9790 or www.operationsmile.org. Molloy Funeral Home, West Hartford has care of arrangements.

Leonard K. Smith M.D.

April 18, 1918 - January 11, 2006