Emile R. “Smitty” Smith, 82, of Woonsocket died peacefully surrounded by his family Friday at Oakland Grove Health Care Center. He was the loving husband of the late Doris Dolores (Doherty) Smith. They were married on September 3, 1955 and shared over 59 years together until her passing in 2014.
Born and raised in Woonsocket he was a son of the late Robert and Alice (Tellier) Smith. He was a lifelong resident of the city.
Smitty was employed by Hyman Brickle Corp. and previously worked for Bonin Spinning, Sadwins, Shadowbrook Apartments and the New York Highway Dept. in Utica, NY.
Smitty was a member of the Cercle Laurier for over 52 years. He was an accomplished martial artist and held his 1st degree Black Belt.
Smitty was the resident jokester of the family. He knew how to cherish the best of life whether it was family gatherings, enjoying nature by spending time fishing or being in the midst of a water gun fight with grandchildren and whoever just happened to be nearby. Smitty's sense of love and fun was at the center of family life. A friendly and outgoing man Smitty will be fondly remembered by family and friends.
Smitty is survived by a daughter Gail Smith and her husband, Raymond Adam, of Woonsocket and three sons Alan Smith and his wife, Karen, of Cumberland and Mark Smith and his wife, Lise, and Scott Smith (Lt. W.F.D.) and his wife, Michelle, all of Woonsocket. He was the brother of Barbara St. Pierre of Woonsocket and the late Edward, John, Robert, Harold, Francis and Stanley Smith, Beatrice Vinceguera, Blanche Aubin and Alice Plante. He is also survived by 9 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews and their families.
His funeral will be Thursday at 9:00 am from the Menard-Lacouture Funeral Home, 127 Carrington Ave. Woonsocket followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in St. Agatha Church, Fairfield Ave. Woonsocket. Burial will follow in St. Charles Cemetery, Blackstone. Visiting hours are Wednesday from 5-8 pm. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Beacon Hospice 1 Catamore Blvd East Providence, RI. 02914.
www.menardfuneralhome.com