Obituary of Ronald Arthur Smith

Ronald Arthur Smith passed away at age 78 at his residence in Punta Gorda, Florida, on Saturday, November 23, 2013. Mr. Smith was born in Brooklyn, New York and served several years in the army, after which he worked as a sergeant in the New York Police Department. Mr. Smith lived in East Islip, New York and was married to Jean Magnani and had two sons. After a divorce and retiring from the police department, Ronald moved to Florida to pursue his dream of painting and became a respected member of the Sea Grape Gallery, the Creations Gallery, and the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda. His paintings adorn the walls of many commercial buildings and private homes in and around southwest Florida. In his spare time, Mr. Smith was an avid clam farmer and fisherman. Mr. Smith was predeceased by his son, Stephen Smith, and his brother, Russell Smith of Portsmouth, Rhode Island. Mr. Smith is survived by his son, Ronald Eric Smith, and his domestic partner, Mae Olafson. Donations in the name of Ronald Smith may be made to the American Heart Association. Arrangements by: Charlotte Memorial Funeral Home, Crematory and Cemetery. 941-639-1171 MEMORIAL SERVICE AT A LATER DATE: