John Patrick Smith

Born in Providence in 1937, the son of the late Patrick J. Smith and E. Lillian (Callahan) Smith. He was the beloved husband of Ann Marie “Nancy” (O’Rourke) Smith for 57 happily married years.

He served in the U.S. Army and was stationed in Alaska as a member of the Military Police. He was proud to say he was there when it made statehood.

He lived in Providence most of his life before moving to Jupiter, Florida in his retirement and having a home in Warwick. He also summered in Bonnet Shores, Narragansett.

He was a communicant of St. Augustine’s Parish in Providence for over 30 years and was active in the Home School Association, Knights of Columbus and a member of the Sons of Irish Kings.

John worked for the HP Hood Company for more than 20 years and co-founded Ocean State Diary where he worked for the next 20 years.

In retirement, he enjoyed golf, card games, gardening, and especially time with his beloved grandchildren.

Besides his wife, he is survived by his three beloved children, Patrick Smith and his wife Mary of Wickford, Deborah Fox and her husband Joe of Warwick, Clare Arnold and her husband Patrick of North Attleboro and his five grandchildren, Joseph, Courtney, and Michael Fox and Brenna and Lillian Arnold as well as, many nieces and nephews. He was the brother of the late Edward Smith.

Visitation will be held Sunday 3-6 p.m. with his funeral on Monday at 9 a.m. in the Russell J. Boyle & Son Funeral Home, 142 Centerville Road, Warwick. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. in St. Gregory the Great Church, 360 Cowesett Road, Warwick. Burial will follow in St. Ann Cemetery, Cranston.