Grover C. “Smokey” Orcutt age 86 of Taunton died December 6, 2013 at Marian Manor, Taunton after a period of failing health. He was affectionately known as Uncle Smokey by his family. Smokey was born in Springfield and raised in Weymouth a son of the late James and Mary (Friery) Orcutt. As a young man he joined the Merchant Marines and traveled the world as a seaman.
Smokey made a midlife career change and became a substance abuse counselor for both alcohol and drug prevention. He earned his degree in human resources in 1981 from the University of New Hampshire and spent most of his career in Connecticut. He had worked at Rockville General Hospital for many years and was the co-founder of BPS (Be Part of the Solution) a volunteer program. He had also earned numerous awards from the State of Connecticut.
Smokey’s legacy will be his longtime involvement in AA where he had been a member for 41 years. He was a mentor and sponsored hundreds of people for their sobriety. He was also a spiritual person who volunteered for My Brother’s Keeper and was a member of the Cursillo community.
Golf was an avid sport for Smokey and he had made 5 hole-in-ones in his lifetime. He enjoyed trips to Foxwoods and with his gift of gab and salty good looks had a part in the movie Amistad.
Smokey was the brother of Charlotte Vernaglia of Taunton, Clifford Orcutt of Brockton, Patricia Peters of Abington, James Orcutt, Sr. and his wife Theresa of Easton and the late Francis Orcutt, Elsie Johnson and Maureen McKenna. He also leaves many nieces and nephews and two stepsons Dan and Jeffery Durso both of Connecticut.
Visiting hours will be held in the Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont St. (Rte 123) Brockton on Tuesday 4-7 pm with a prayer service at 6:45. A private Mass and burial will be held at a later date. Please consider donations in Smokey’s name to My Brother’s Keeper PO Box 338, N. Easton, MA 02356.