David Richard “Rick” Smith, III of Savannah, GA, formerly of Rye, NY, and Wellesley, MA, died peacefully in his home on October 19th after a courageous two-year battle with ALS.
Rick was born in East Walpole, MA, in 1958 to the late Shirley March Smith and David Richard Smith, Jr. He graduated from Milton Academy, Vassar College, and received his M.B.A. from Vanderbilt University.
He enjoyed a successful career in institutional investment management as a portfolio
manager, retiring from DWS Group in New York as a Managing Director in 2022. He previously worked at MFS Investment Management in Boston and Salomon Brothers in Atlanta and New York.
Rick had many interests, including music, sports (particularly the Red Sox), travel, and wine. Additionally, he loved hiking in the White Mountains, running, golf, and, in more recent years, sailing and squash. He will be remembered as thoughtful, determined, witty, and as someone who deeply cared about his family and friends.
Rick is survived by his wife of forty years, Melanie Welch Smith; three children, Gardner Richard Smith of Newport Beach, CA, Eleanor Welch Smith of San Francisco, CA, and Nathaniel Curry Smith of Savannah, GA; and his sister, Sue Smith Bass (Larry) of Bradenton, FL.
Family and friends are invited to a graveside service at Greenwich Cemetery in Savannah on Wednesday, October 25, 2023 at 10 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Emmaus House, 18 Abercorn Street, Savannah, GA 31401 or the ALS Association, 1300 Wilson Boulevard, Suite 600, Arlington, VA 22909.
Updated: There will be a Memorial Service at Christ’s Church in Rye on Friday, November 3rd at 11:00am.
