Francis Edwin Smith

Francis Smith

Francis E. Smith Jr, 67, of North Road in Peace Dale, passed away Friday, September 16 at South County Hospital. He was the husband of Barbara A. (Croughan) Smith.Born in South Kingstown, he was a lifelong resident of South County. For 25 years, he had worked as an installer for Verizon, retiring in 1990 due to illness. Francis joined the South Kingstown Forest Fire Service in 1963 and was president in 1976, retiring as a lieutenant. He was a member of the Rhode Island State Fireman's League, a member of the South Kingstown Firemen Relief Association, a member of the Aberdeen Hand Tub and was a founding member of the Rhode Island Firefighters Emerald Society. Francis was a Charter Member of the Rhode Island Antique Fire Apparatus Society. He was a close friend and member of the Wires & Fires Antique Fire Engine Museum. As an avid supporter of Seagrave Fire apparatus, his in-depth knowledge and love this equipment led him to meet many new friends, sharing equipment history and many stories. Francis' keen eye, quick wit and sense of humor made him a valuable asset when locating and negotiating for items to be added to the museum.Besides his wife Barbara, Francis is survived by his son Patrick F. and his wife Caitlin Smith of Wakefield; his daughters Elisabeth Christopher of West Kingston, Priscilla Judson of Charlestown, Colleen and her husband Jacob Smith of Westerly and Mary F. Smith at home; his brother John and his wife Judy Smith of Whitman, MA; his sisters Ann Rathbun of Coventry and Catherine and her husband George Elshant of Middletown. Eleven grandchildren and one great granddaughter. He was the brother of the late Paul Smith. Visiting hours will be held in the Forbes Funeral Home, 28 Columbia Street, Wakefield on Tuesday, September 20 from 5-7pm. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Wednesday at 10am in St. Francis of Assisi Church, 114 High Street, Wakefield. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to American Parkinson's Disease Association, RI Chapter APDA, PO Box 41659 Providence, RI 02940-1659 or to Home and Hospice Care of RI, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI 02904-9826.