Donald Smith

The Smith Family announces the passing of Donald C. Smith, 73, of Scarborough, ME. He passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 4th, 2026, in the comfort of his home surrounded by family, following a lengthy battle with cancer. Don was born in 1953 at the Chelsea, MA U.S. Naval Hospital to Barbara A. (Wills) Smith of Watertown, MA, and Joseph D. Smith of Cleveland, Ohio. He grew up with a family of six in Billerica, MA. He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Blue Kathy (McLaughlin) Smith; his son, Donald C. Smith II, and wife Dr. Jessica Leonard of Kittery, ME; his daughter, Michelle D. Smith, and husband Chef John Caron of Scarborough, ME; brother Gary and wife, Julie Smith of Raymond, NH & Punta Gorda, FL; and sister Deborah and husband Robert Carley of Auburn, NH. Don was predeceased by angel baby Cody D. Smith, his younger brother Scott S. Smith, his parents Joseph and Barbara (Wills) Smith, maternal grandparents Charles and Lucy Wills, and paternal grandparents George and Anna Smith. He is also fondly remembered by numerous nieces, nephews, grand-nieces, and grand-nephews.

Don was widely recognized as a dedicated, hard worker. Throughout his youth, he undertook various jobs—including paper routes, snow removal, lawn care, and working at other small businesses in the Watertown and Billerica, MA areas. After finishing high school, Don set out on a cross-country adventure with his friends. Upon returning, he began his career in the flooring business by “pushing a broom”, installing flooring, working his way up the ladder to salesman, eventually branching out to Maine in 1975. With the help of a personal loan from his grandmother, “Nang”, and the support and encouragement of his long-time mentor and client Bob Bahre, Don established Summit Floors Inc., initially operating out of his station wagon. The company quickly grew, opening a showroom and warehouse on Route 1 in Scarborough, ME. As we all know, business ventures often face both successes and challenges and ultimately, Summit Floors closed during the economic downturn of the 1980s.

His dedication paid off and Don quickly opened Bald Billy’s Carpet Outlet which established a new expansive showroom and warehouse, known today as Classic Flooring Inc. Together with his long-time trusted employee and “adopted son”, Bill Harvey, Classic Flooring grew into one of the most expansive and premiere flooring businesses in New England. Don entered a buy-out agreement with Bill and did his best to “retire” (used loosely) from the flooring industry, serving as the experienced consultant.

Don was introduced to Maine’s Northern Wilderness by his longtime friends and business associates, sparking a deep and lasting affection and love for the Rangeley Lakes Region, the wilderness, the town, and its people. His affection inspired him to purchase the Smith family camp in the unnamed territories, eventually leading to the purchase of the Saddleback Motor Inn (operating as Rangeley Saddleback Inn) in 2007. Don was proud to have his son and daughter assume ownership of the Inn, demonstrating confidence in their ability to continue his legacy in the town he loved.

Don will be remembered for his deeply passionate love for his family and friends – making memories and mischief.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10AM on Thursday, April 16, 2026 at St. Maximilian Kolbe, 150 Black Point Road, Scarborough, Maine 04074. Arrangements are under the direction of the Conroy-Tully Walker Funeral Home of South Portland. To view Don’s memorial page or to share an online condolence, please visit www.ConroyTullyWalker.com. 

In lieu of flowers, the Smith family kindly request donations made to the following organizations:

Maine Blue Collar Scholarship Foundation, P.O. Box 606, Gorham, ME 04038

info@mainebluecollar.com

Animal Refuge League of Greater Portland, 217 Landing Rd, Westbrook, ME 04098

arlgp.org/donate/make-a-donation