Benjamin A. Smith Benjamin Atwood Smith II (March 16, 1916 - September 6, 1991) was a United States Senator from the U.S. State of Massachusetts. Smith was born in Gloucester, Massachusetts and he graduated from Harvard University where he was a roommate of John F. Kennedy. He served in the United States Navy in the Pacific during World War II. He served as Mayor of Gloucester from 1954 to 1955.
John F. Kennedy resigned from the Senate on December 22, 1960 after being elected President of the United States. Kennedy advised Governor Foster Furcolo to appoint Smith to the job "in the interest of promoting unity." Smith served until Ted Kennedy was elected to the Senate in 1962.
Preceded by: John F. Kennedy U.S. Senator (Class 1) from Massachusetts 1960-1962 Served alongside: Leverett Saltonstall Succeeded by: Edward M. Kennedy
