Robert E. Smith

Providence Robert E. Smith, 88, of Moffat Road, and formerly of Providence and Smithfield, passed away peacefully Tuesday, surrounded by his loving family members, at the home of his daughter Roberta in Quincy. He was the beloved husband of the late Thelma M. (Cathers) Smith. Born in Providence, a son of the late Frank P. and Alice E. (Legare) Smith, he lived in Smithfield most of his life, Providence for several years, and Quincy for the last two years. Mr. Smith was employed by the Narragansett Brewing Company for over thirty years before retiring. He was also a licensed thoroughbred horse trainer and owner. He was a World War II veteran of the United States Coast Guard, and served on the Board of Directors for the Smithfield Public Library. In his younger years, he coached youth sports in the Smithfield area. He was a communicant of Saint Pius V Church. He leaves a son, Francis H. Smith, and his wife, Mary Ellen (Pare) Smith, of Providence; two daughters, Roberta M. Bloomer, and her husband, William Bloomer, of Quincy, MA, and Madonna M. Smith, also of Quincy; a sister, Mary A. (Smith) Watson Curtis; and twelve loving grandchildren, Elizabeth, Mary, Laura, Kristen, Thomas, Julie and Caroline Bloomer and Emily, Patrick, John, Matthew, and Benjamin Smith. He was predeceased by his daughter, Marjorie I. (Smith) Garrahan and two brothers, Edward J. Smith and Francis H. Smith. The funeral will be held Monday, at 8:45 am, from the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 331 Smith Street, Providence. Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00 am in Saint Pius V Church, Eaton Street, Providence. Burial, with military honors, will be in Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery, Exeter. Visiting hours are respectfully omitted. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Smith Hill Community Development Corporation, 47 Goddard Street, Providence, RI 02908 in his memory will be appreciated.