Lester J. Smith May 9, 1939 - March 9, 2014 OAKDALE - Lester J. Smith, 74, died unexpectedly at his home on Sunday, March 9, 2014. He was born in New London, on May 9, 1939 to the late Leslie and Anna (Dombrowski) Smith. After completing high school he soon began working for Electric Boat from where he retired as an Outside Machinist Supervisor in 1995 after 39 years of service. On October 17, 1959, Lester married his high school sweetie, Margaret (Snow) who survives him. Lester, or "Teddy Bear" as co-workers, friends and family would refer to him, loved many things including fishing, NASCAR racing, building and flying model airplanes and was a member of "Prop Busters" RC Flying Club in Salem as well. What he loved most however, was the time spent with his family. He is survived by his wife Margaret, daughters, Deborah Loeber and partner Stephen Wood of Oakdale, Lorrie Gates and husband Harold of Norwich, Jennifer Thomas and husband Sean of Salem, Sherrie Oloski and husband Stephen of Oakdale; grandchildren; Kevin, Jeffery, Scott and Jessica Gates, David Loeber, Avery Thomas, Shelby and Seth Oloski; one great-granddaughter, Natalie Mae Gates and several nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his son; Lester J. Smith Jr., in 2000, two brothers and one sister. Visitation will be Wednesday evening from 6 P.M. - 8 P.M. at the Montville Funeral Home of Church & Allen, 53 Norwich-New London Tnpk., Uncasville, CT. Funeral Services will be at the funeral home on Thursday at 11 A.M. with a calling hour beginning at 10 A.M. Burial will immediately follow at St. Patrick Cemetery in Uncasville, CT. To leave an online condolence for the family, please visit montvillefuneralhome.com