Francis Henry Smith

Providence Francis Henry Smith, 56, of Jastram Street, died Tuesday lovingly surrounded by his family. He was the loving husband of Mary Ellen (Pare) Smith, they had been married for thirty years.Born in Providence and raised in Smithfield, he was the son of the late Robert E. and Thelma M. (Cathers) Smith.Francis was a much loved man who always sought to understand and fulfill the needs of others before his own. He was the Executive Director of the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation for the past eleven years and spent his entire adult life serving in leadership roles at several nonprofit organizations. He was an active member of St. Pius V Church, and throughout his childhood of St. Philip Church. He was a respected and admired member of his communities. Francis graduated from La Salle Academy and received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Rhode Island College. He attended graduate school at Suffolk University where he received a Master’s Degree in Public Administration.Besides his beloved wife Mary Ellen, he leaves a daughter Emily Florence Smith, four sons, Patrick Henry Smith and his wife Jillian, John Henry Smith, Matthew Henry Smith, and Benjamin Henry Smith, two sisters, Madonna M. Smith and Roberta M. Bloomer and her husband William, and several nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Marjorie I. Garrahan.Due to a heating malfunction at St. Pius Church, a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Saturday, February 28, 2015, at 11:00 am, in St. Augustine Church, 639 Mount Pleasant Avenue, Providence to which family and friends are invited. Burial will follow in Saint Francis Cemetery, Pawtucket.Visiting hours Friday, 4:00 - 8:00 pm, in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, 231 Douglas Avenue, Providence, RI 02908. For on-line condolences, visit boyleandsonfuneralhome.com