Obituary of Richard L. "Dick" Smilgis

Richard L. “Dick” Smilgis, age 90, passed away peacefully on Saturday, June 21, 2025.  He was the adoring husband of Sally (Riley) Smilgis, with whom he had shared over 64 wonderful years of marriage.  

Born on September 23, 1934, he was one of two sons to the late Joseph and Anna (Dailedenas) Smilgis.  

He graduated from Arlington High and worked in electronics before joining the staff of WBZ News.  He covered many stories with legendary newscaster Arch MacDonald and reporter Shelby Scott.  He covered many local news events and won numerous awards for his efforts.   He loved to tell stories of how he was jettisoned from an aircraft carrier and flew with the Blue Angels.  Working with WBZ brought countless opportunities, including being part of the news group that covered Ted Kennedy’s fact-finding mission to Vietnam during the war, and in South Africa during Apartheid.

It was at WBZ that Dick met the love of his life, Sally.  The two dated briefly, before deciding to get married and settle down in Burlington upon arriving back from their honeymoon.  

Their adventures together didn’t end with Dick’s career though.  He and Sally would go on to take numerous trips around the world, mostly on cruises.  They did several Transatlantic cruises, getting to see places like Alaska, Australia, China, Mediterranean sites, etc.  In their free time, when they weren’t adding stamps to their passports, Dick and Sally would find themselves either at one of their sons (Holics, J&S Wrecking) or the grandchildren’s many soccer, volleyball, softball, basketball, and track events, or down at their version of Cheers: Rocco’s in Wilmington.  Here, they had a place where everybody knew their name, and they knew everyone’s as well.  He was also a lifelong member of the North Shore Model Railroad club in Wakefield, and even when he started to slow down, Sally always took him to meetings because it meant so much to him.

Anyone who knew Dick, understood how devoted he was to his wife, children, grandchildren, pool and lawn.  If he wasn’t spending time with his loving family, he was likely competing with his neighbor for “best neighborhood yard”.  He was meticulous with his landscaping, and took great pride in the hard work he put into his home.  When he was done though, Dick always made sure to keep up to date with his beloved Bruins, Red Sox, and Patriots.  Above all else, Dick was a loving, kind, and steadfast husband, father, grandfather, and friend.  He worked hard to make lasting memories with the people he loved most, and will always be remembered for the unwavering devotion he had to them.

Along with his beloved wife Sally, Dick is survived by his two dear sons, Steven Smilgis and his wife Cheryl of Billerica, and Bob Smilgis and his wife Nikita of Rockville, MD and Saudi Arabia; his four adoring grandchildren, Timmy Smilgis, Amanda Smilgis, Jennifer Smilgis, and Stephanie and husband Stephen Romanic, as well as many other loving nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends. 

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visitation on Thursday, June 26th from 5pm until 7pm.  His Funeral Service will be held in the Funeral Home on Friday, June 27th at 11am.  Burial will immediately follow in Pine Haven Cemetery, Burlington. 

As an expression of sympathy, in lieu of flowers, donations may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.