Robert F. Smith, 93

GILFORD — Robert F. Smith, international banker, business owner, and leader of philanthropic causes, passed away peacefully at his beloved Lake Winnipesaukee, with his family by his side, on Aug. 7, 2026, at the age of 93.

Born in Staten Island, New York, to Norman Smith and Lida Martin Smith, Bob moved to East Chelmsford, Massachusetts, at the age of 3. Growing up during the Great Depression, Bob came from humble beginnings. After graduating from Chelmsford High School in 1950 — where he was later inducted into the Chelmsford High School Hall of Fame — Bob’s passion for cars drew him to Pease Motor Company in Lowell, where he worked to earn enough money to travel to Florida, with a friend, and try his hand at automobile racing.

After wrecking his race car and running out of money, Bob made his way back to Pease Motor Company — and to his high school sweetheart, Miriam Sullivan, who made it clear that she was only interested in marrying a college graduate. Bob then enrolled at Bentley University, then known as the Bentley School of Accounting and Finance, and graduated at the top of his class in 1953, earning a place in General Electric’s finance training program.

From 1953 to 1981, Bob worked at General Electric, first as a traveling auditor throughout the world and living internationally, while steadily moving up the corporate ladder to become treasurer of General Electric Corporation. In 1981, he joined American Express as senior vice president and treasurer. Six months later, he was elected vice chairman of American Express Bank Ltd. and a member of its board. He became the bank’s president and chief operating officer in 1983, and chairman and chief executive officer in January 1985. During his tenure as CEO of American Express Bank, Bob traveled the world, meeting with heads of state and leading business figures from around the globe.

In 1989, Bob retired from American Express and moved from his home in Connecticut, to the couple’s dream home on Lake Winnipesaukee in Gilford. Bob continued to serve as a trustee on several boards, including as treasurer of the Board of Directors of Cendant Corporation. He also served for 25 years on the Board of Trustees of Bentley University. He received an honorary doctorate from Saint Anselm College in 1986, a second Hhnorary Ddctorate from Bentley University in 1997.

After leaving the corporate world, Bob became a founding partner of Car Component Technology (CCT), which grew to become the largest manufacturer of automobile front-wheel-drive axles in the world. Never satisfied with the hobbies of most retirees, he then decided to try his hand in the food industry as the owner of The Wineing Butcher and Sawyer’s Dairy Bar.

No one who knew Bob Smith could think of him without remembering — and being amazed by — the depth and breadth of his philanthropy. Bob directed his energy, financial acumen, generous spirit, and compassion toward causes that mattered deeply to him. He was instrumental in establishing the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region Endowment Trust and the Holy Trinity Endowment Trust. Bob was also an original founder and treasurer of the Sakowich Charitable Trust which has given away over $6 million since 2016. He understood that the real measure of a foundation wasn’t just how much money it gave away, but how much good it could create and sustain over generations.

Bob believed that giving should be done for the sake of giving, not for recognition or accolades. Throughout his lifetime, he made many gifts anonymously or in the names of loved ones, including the Smith Technology Center at Bentley University, established in memory of his parents, Norman and Lida Smith, and the Sullivan Arena at Saint Anselm College, established in memory of his in-laws, Thomas and Dorothy Sullivan. He was also a generous benefactor to Lahey Hospital, Castle in the Clouds, the New Hampshire Humane Society, and countless other charities to which he gave quietly and behind the scenes.

Although Bob and his wife, Miriam, traveled the world and lived abroad during his career, Bob always said that the most beautiful place on the planet was Lake Winnipesaukee. He loved boating on the lake and skiing in the West and at Gunstock, continuing to ski until he was 85 years old.

While work was his passion, his family was his pride and joy. He leaves behind his beloved wife, Miriam, of 67 years; his daughter, Brenda Smith Stowe, and her husband, Steve Bauer; his son, Rob Smith, and his wife, Courtney Smith; and seven grandchildren: Alex, Hannah, and Phillip Stowe; Drew Smith; Lauren Hennig; and Sean and Kyle Demeritt.

Bob was a devoted Catholic, attending church at least once a week. He lived his life embodying the ancient Greek proverb: “A society grows great when old men plant trees under whose shade they never sit.”

Calling hours will be held from 4 to 6 p.m., on Tuesday, Aug. 11, in the Carriage House at Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, 164 Pleasant St., Laconia.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 12, at St. Andre Bessette Parish — Sacred Heart Church, 291 Union Ave., Laconia.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lakes Region, 876 N. Main St., Laconia, NH 03246, or the Holy Trinity Endowment Trust c/o Saint Joseph Church, 30 Church St., Laconia, NH 03246.

Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home & Cremation Services/603Cremations.com, Laconia, is assisting the family with arrangements. For more information and to view an online memorial, visit wilkinsonbeane.com.