Francis J. Smith

Francis J. Smith, Jr., age 81, passed away Wednesday, June 5, 2019 at his son’s home surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Almerinda (DeJesus) Smith to whom he was married for 58 years.

Born and raised in Providence, RI, he was the son of the late Francis J. Smith and Catherine M. (Glynn) Smith, he was a resident of Assonet for over 40 years.

A graduate of East Providence High School, Class of 1955, he earned an Associate’s degree in Psychology from Bristol Community College. A veteran of the United States Air Force he served during the Vietnam War retiring as Master Sergeant after over 20 years of service. Upon retiring from the military in 1975, he achieved another rewarding 20 year career with the Social Security Administration.

An enthusiastic coin collector, he loved watching the New England Patriots and Boston Red Sox. He watched the Boston Celtics until Larry Bird’s retirement and he revered Ted Williams as one of the greatest athletes and American heroes of all time. His greatest joy, however, came from spending time with his family. He never missed the opportunity to attend ballgames, birthdays and special events with his family, celebrating in every milestone achieved by his children and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by their children, Francis J. Smith III and his wife Cynthia of Henrico, VA, Catherine M. Thornhill and her husband Christopher of Attleboro and William Smith and his wife Andrea of Fall River; six grandchildren, Kelly A. Smith, Misty L. Proffitt, Sean C. Thornhill, Ian W. Thornhill, Taylor N. Smith and Evan W. Smith; three great-grandchildren, Harper G. Thornhill, Ethan D. Stoddard and Morgan F. Stoddard; several nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

His visitation will be held on Friday, June 14, 2019 from 5:00 – 8:00 PM in the Waring-Sullivan Home at Cherry Place, 178 Winter Street, Fall River with a Funeral Service in the funeral home at 7:00 PM. He will also receive full military honors prior to the visitation. Burial will be private. Contributions may be made in his honor to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675-8517 or American Cancer Association, 30 Speen Street, Framingham, Massachusetts 01701. For directions and tributes, www.waring-sullivan.com.