Ernest M. Smith Jr. died at Chelsea Soldier's Home in Chelsea March 30th at the age of 78. He was born in Chelsea, raised in Chelsea and Everett and graduated from Everett High School Class of 1941. Ernest entered the service after high school and served in the US Navy until 1947. He was an aviation chief machinist's mate and served as a crew member on the PBY's stationed on the USS Block Island and several other aircraft carriers in the European Theater. After his discharge from the Navy he joined the Everett Fire Dept.. Ernest was on the Everett Fire Dept. for 37years, serving as a Captain on Engine 2 from 1963 until his retirement in 1985. He has been living in Melrose since 1947. Ernest was the husband of Marjorie F. (Spindler) Smith. Father of Kathleen M. Adams & her husband Donald of Milton and Chief Richard E. Smith (Melrose Police Dept.) & his wife Mary of Stoneham. Grandfather of Katie, Tom & Meghan Adams all of Milton. Funeral from the Gately Funeral Home 79 W. Foster St. Melrose on Thurs. April 4th at 10AM. Funeral mass in The Most Blessed Sacrament Church 1155 Main St. Wakefield at 11AM. Relatives and friends invited. Visiting hours Wed. 4-8PM. Burial in Riverside Cemetery in N.Reading. Memorial contributions may be sent to Lisa M. Spindler Scholarship Fund c/o Shelia Twohig Fleet Bank Park St. N.Reading 01864 or MSPCA 350 South Hunnington Ave. Boston 02130.