Eugene “Gene” Smith Credit: Courtesy Gene Smith, 86, of Wake Robin Life Plan Retirement Community, Shelburne, Vt., passed away on February 26, 2026, at the University of Vermont Medical Center in Burlington, Vt. A native of Freeport, Long Island, N.Y., Gene was born on October 8, 1939, to Leonard D.B. Smith and Catherine (Kellett) Smith. He was predeceased by his parents and his two brothers, Stuart F. Smith and Lt. Col. Leonard H. Smith. Gene completed his undergraduate work at Southern Illinois University and New Mexico State University. He received his doctorate in neuropsychology, with training in research methods, at the University of New Mexico. Gene’s career carried him across the United States and overseas, finishing as an esteemed professor at Loras College in Dubuque, Iowa. Gene married Nancy Jean Bock on December 13, 1969, and remained devoted to her until her death in 2012. He also remained in close touch with her family throughout the years. Gene will always be remembered for his wry wit, wonderful stories and sense of humor. When his health allowed, he volunteered his services to help run audio-visual presentations for the Education Enhancement program at Wake Robin and participated in a senior group at the Faith Methodist Church in South Burlington, Vt. He is survived by many cousins, who all shared fond memories with Gene of childhood days at Lake Winnepesaukee, N.H. He is also survived by his sister-in-law, Marianne Fassett; nieces, Carlene Fassett and Bettianne Small; and friends and acquaintances of the Wake Robin Community. A private burial will take place at the Smith family plot, Greenfield Cemetery, Uniondale, N.Y. The post Obituary: Eugene “Gene” Smith, 1939-2026 appeared first on Seven Days. ...read more read less