George Howard "Indian George" Smith Jr., 76
George Howard "Indian George" Smith Jr. of Marion passed away on September 28, 2025 at age 76. George was born in New Bedford, Massachusetts on January 28, 1949, the middle child of the late George H. Smith Sr. and Angela Miller Smith.
He grew up in Mattapoisett with his sisters Angela and Elizabeth until the family moved to East Hartford, Connecticut where his Father worked at Pratt & Whitney. George's family bond with his sisters only grew stronger when the family split up, with two young brothers by the late 1950s. George never lost sight of the importance of family and supporting each other, which he earnestly sustained in his later years. He attended South Grammar School in East Hartford, and later the West Main School in Milford, CT in the Class of '63.
George met the woman of his dreams through his brother Eddy at the Blue Door in downtown Hartford, marrying her in 1967. With his wife Karen, he shared a passion for motorcycle culture and living life to the fullest. George owned and repaired countless Indian motorcycles, helping to revive their status with his participation in the 1st annual Indian Come Home Day at Springfield, MA in 1972. George worked for many industries over the years, but was most notably a master mechanic and machinist who was most proud of his time as the maintenance man for about a decade at the CRRA in Hartford, CT from 1987 on. He lived in Hartford, East Hartford, Glastonbury and Manchester, CT at various times, and finally moved in with his sisters Elizabeth and Angela Smith at Marion, MA where he was kept in good company.
George supported his family up until the end, always making sure his wife, two sisters, sons and grandkids were taken care of, sharing a special bond with his grandson Alexander in recent years.
He was predeceased by his brothers Edward C. and Clifford J. Smith, and is survived by Angela E. and Elizabeth A. Smith of Marion, his former wife Karen O'Connor Smith of East Hartford, CT, his son Michael of Farmington, CT and grandsons Caleb and Alexander, his son Jeffrey of East Granby, CT and grandchildren Evangeline, Kallen, and Cheyenne, his son Matthew Smith of East Hartford, CT and many Miller and Silveira family cousins locally.
George was a free spirit in every sense but also made his way in this world determined to provide a secure upbringing for his boys. He did so selflessly and will forever be remembered for it.
His Funeral Service will be private.
