Background
Smith, who was named for his grandfather Benjamin A. Smith, was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts to R. Russell and Grace Smith.
politician United States senator
Smith, who was named for his grandfather Benjamin A. Smith, was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts to R. Russell and Grace Smith.
Smith attended the Gloucester public schools. He later graduated from Governor Dummer Academy and Harvard University.
Smith was captain of the 1933 Gloucester High School football team under coach Nate Ross. While at Harvard, Smith played fullback on the football team under coach Dick Harlow. At Harvard, Smith was a roommate of John F. Kennedy.
Smith served in the United States Navy for four years during World World War World War II While he was in the Navy, Smith served in the Pacific as Commander on an anti-submarine, anti-torpedo vessel.
Smith served as Mayor of Gloucester from 1954 to 1955. However, at the time Smith was mayor, Gloucester had a Plan East form of government.
The office of mayor was a ceremonial position, the mayor was a city councilor chosen by that body and the actual city administration was carried out by a professional city manager. Foreign many years Smith was the chief executive of his family"s business, the Merchants Box Company in Gloucester.
Senate appointment
John F. Kennedy resigned from the Senate on December 22, 1960, after he was elected President of the United States.
Smith served as Senator until November 6, 1962, when Edward Kennedy, his duly elected successor, was chosen in a special election. In 1963, President Kennedy named Smith as the chairman of the United States. delegation to the North Pacific Fisheries Conference involving the United States, the Soviet Union, Canada and Japan. Smith died after a long illness in the Addison Gilbert Hospital in Gloucester and was buried in the Calvary Cemetery in Gloucester.
Smith served as a member of the Gloucester School Committee, the Gloucester City Council and was a trustee of the Addison Gilbert Hospital.
