Irving Robert "Sonny" Smith Jr. passed away peacefully on July 6, 2026, at the age of 91, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, humility, and unwavering devotion to his family.
Born on April 30, 1935, in Boston, Massachusetts, Sonny spent his early years in Boston and North Easton. Sonny served his country in the United States Army from 1953 to 1957. While stationed in Mannheim, Germany, he met Ursula Luise Friess and they married in 1957. The young couple settled in Brockton, Massachusetts, where they built their home and raised their family. After Ursula passed in 1983, Sonny relocated to Fort Worth, Texas, where he spent the remainder of his life.
Sonny enjoyed traveling and making memories with those he loved. Some of his favorite places were the peacefulness of Lake Winnipesaukee, New Hampshire; the mountains of Red River, New Mexico; the beaches of Port Aransas, Texas; and, most especially, Germany.
Above all else, Sonny loved his family. To his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he was simply "Papa." Nothing made him happier than having his family together. He was a gentle, sweet, and humble man whose quiet acts of kindness often spoke louder than words. He never looked for recognition, but he was always there when someone needed a helping hand.
Sonny is lovingly survived by his daughters, Sylvia Tidwell and Ellen Luise Hedger and her husband, Allan; five cherished grandchildren; and six treasured great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ursula; his parents; his brother, Edward Smith; his sisters, Muriel Belfiore and Barbara Smith; his son-in-law, James "Keith" Tidwell; and his nephew, David Smith.
Sonny showed us that a life doesn't have to be loud to be meaningful. Through hard work, kindness, and a willingness to help others, he made the world a better place for everyone who knew him. We were blessed to call him our Dad, our Papa, and our friend.
Rest easy, Dad. Rest easy, Papa. We'll be okay. We'll take it from here.
And every now and then, we'll enjoy a hot cup of Dunkin' coffee and a donut, smile, say "Ah Jeez," and think of you.
In accordance with Sonny's wishes, he will be laid to rest beside Ursula at Melrose Cemetery in Brockton, Massachusetts. Honoring this final wish brings comfort to his family, knowing they are together once again.
A private Celebration of Life will be held with family once Sonny has returned home to Massachusetts. The family looks forward to gathering to honor his life, share memories, and celebrate the remarkable man he was.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to VITAS Hospice @ https://vitascommunityconnection.org/