William Alton Smith Jr. ... longtime crane operator; at 71

SOMERSWORTH - Born July 22nd, 1950 in Manchester, William Alton Smith Jr. was the son of William Alton Smith Sr. and Violet Evelyn Gordon.

William passed away October 2nd, 2021 surrounded by family. He was the oldest of 10 children. He is also survived by 2 half-brothers on his father's side. He graduated from Coe Brown Academy as President of his class. He was captain of the basketball and soccer teams.

He attended UNH where he was a member of the wrestling team. He also attended Thomas College in Waterville, ME. He completed an apprenticeship with the Local 4 Union and retired as a crane operator after 25 years in the union. He was well loved by all of his friends, and neighbors in Somersworth, Dover, Portsmouth, and Eliot.

He spent many happy years frequenting the local establishments of the Seacoast. He played softball and basketball in the area Men's leagues and had a blackbelt in Karate.

He was predeceased by his brothers Lawrence Smith and John Smith/Starchild. He is survived by his life partner Patti Haendler, a stepdaughter Sarah Carboni, sons Joshua and William III, Daughters Theresa, Caroline, Lillian, and Mary, five granddaughters, 2 grandsons, and many nieces and nephews. He leaves 4 sisters, Darlene Watkins, Pauline Smith, Raffini Smith, and Stephanie Williams. He also leaves 3 brothers, Wayne Smith, Dana Smith, and Terry Smith and his wife Andrea. How lucky we are to have had him for this short time on earth.