Robert J. 'Bob' Smith

MADISON- Robert J. "Bob" Smith, age 82, of Madison, passed away on Saturday, Jan. 15, 2011, at HospiceCare in Fitchburg. He was born on March 19, 1928, in Nutley, N.J., the son of Franklin H. and Rose (Farley) Smith. Bob served in the U.S. Marines following World War II. After visiting his brother, who was based at Truax Field in Madison, Bob found that he liked the area and decided to put down roots in Wisconsin. It was in Madison that he met his wife-to-be, Betty J. Kissane. They were married on May 26, 1951, at St. James Catholic Church. Bob worked for Singer Sewing Machine and then became a State Farm Insurance representative for many years. He enjoyed playing golf and cards with his friends. He was also an avid reader. Above all, he was proud of his daughter and granddaughters and loved spending time with them. He is survived by his wife, Betty; granddaughters Jenny (Bruce) Wells of Clarksville, Tenn., and Alison (Joe) Bradford of Central, S.C.; son-in-law, Richard B. "Rick" Cook, of Atlanta; sister Dorothy (Ben) Coraggio, of Palm City, Fla.; sister-in-law Mary Alice (Eddie) Falkenstein and niece Linda Falkenstein (Bill Lueders) of Madison. Bob was preceded in death by his daughter, Kathryn J. Cook; brothers Andrew and Edward; and sister, Frances Quincy. Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Monona, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding. Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Memorials: In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to HospiceCare, Inc., 5395 E. Cheryl Pkwy., Madison, WI 53711, or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. Cemetery: Entombment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park. Visitation: Visitation will be at the funeral home from 1 p.m. until the time of service on Friday. Service: Funeral services will be held at GUNDERSON EAST FUNERAL HOME, 5203 Monona Dr., Monona, at 2 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 21, 2011, with Father Kent Schmitt presiding.