Perry Raeburn Smoot of Concord, formerly of Wayland, passed away February 4, 2025, following a brief illness. He is survived by his children Franklin Wende Smoot of Portola Valley, California, Stephanie Elsbeth Smoot of Acton, and Peter Logan Smoot of San Jose, California; his sister Marilyn Scambos of Keaau, Hawaii; and granddaughters Jeanelle Marie Smoot, Nicole Katherine Smoot, and Veronica Ursula Smoot.
Perry was born February 16, 1932, in Honolulu, Hawaii, the eldest son of U.S. Navy Capt. Otho Perry Smoot of Bowling Green, Virginia, and Phyllis Logan Smoot of Newton Highlands. His family relocated frequently within the United States, Guam, and Bermuda. He graduated from Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1954 with a bachelor’s degree in materials science and subsequently earned a master’s degree from Northeastern University. He was a proud member of Theta Delta Chi fraternity and remained involved in fraternity events.
When stationed overseas at the end of World War II, Lt. Perry Smoot met his beloved wife, Ursula E. Wende, in Vienna in 1955. He was interested in learning German and she English. They were married in 1956 and returned to the States. They enjoyed over 60 years together until her death in 2018.
As a young metallurgist, Perry found work at Watertown Arsenal and was known for his specialized work on titanium alloys. The Smoots settled in Wayland in 1964 and lived on Glezen Lane for close to 50 years.
As a young father, Perry often spent evenings playing games and singing songs with his children or at Lake Cochituate on his novel, homemade vessel called a “kayak.” He enjoyed sharing his opinions at town meetings regularly. His interest in history led him to join the Sudbury Companies of Militia and Minute during the 1976 bicentennial, and in subsequent years, he dressed in Colonial garb with musket, celebrating the events transforming the colonies into the United States of America. When he retired, he and Ursula traveled around the world.
Perry found satisfaction in simple pleasures. Most of all he enjoyed evening walks, stargazing, listening to classical music, eating Ursula’s delicious baked treats, and spending time with his family.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, February 22, at Peace Lutheran Church, 107 Concord Road, Wayland.
Flowers may be sent to the church or donations made to Peace Lutheran Church “60th Anniversary Fund” in his memory.
Arrangements are entrusted to Dee Funeral Home & Cremation Service of Concord. For Perry’s online guestbook, visit DeeFuneralHome.com.
