MANCHESTER -- E. Rene Smith, 85, died Feb. 19, 2010, at Elliot Hospital after a period of failing health. He was born in Manchester, March 8, 1924, to William D. and Marie (Lafond) Smith. He was a lifelong resident of the city. He graduated from Manchester High School Central in 1942 where he was a member of the football team. He earned an accounting degree from Hesser Business School. During World War II, he served as a pilot with the U.S. Navy. He was an accountant at Elliot Hospital for 20 years. He later worked at Catholic Medical Center, until his retirement. He was longtime communicant of St. Joseph Cathedral. Most recently, he was a member of St. Catherine Church. A loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather, his family was the center of his life. He was an avid gardener and Red Sox fan. He was predeceased by his wife of 61 years, Alice (Buckley) Smith, on Feb. 9, 2010; and a son, Thomas W. Smith, Aug. 19, 2009. IN HIS LIFE: Family members include his son, Robert B. Smith and his wife, Rebecca, of Manchester; his daughter, Alison Smith-Murray and her husband, Gregory, of Manchester; five grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his brother, Bertrand Smith. SERVICES: A memorial reception will be Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m at Connor-Healy Funeral Home and Cremation Center, 537 Union St., corner of Concord Street, Manchester. The funeral will follow at 1 p.m. in the funeral home. Urn burial will take place in St. Joseph Cemetery, Bedford. Memorial donations may be made to New Hampshire Food Bank, 62 West Brook St., Manchester 03101. For more information, go to www.connorhealy.com.