Harold E. Smith

Harold E. Smith, 89, of Perryville passed away March 3, 2013 at home. For 65 years he was the loving and devoted husband of Janet H. (Spink) Smith. Born in Shannock (Charlestown), RI, August 25, 1923, he was the son of the late William Hollis and Margaret Whaley Smith. Harold was a graduate of South Kingstown H.S. and a graduate of Wentworth Institute. He received a B.S. from Rhode Island College. He taught Industrial Arts at Hugh B. Bain Middle School in Cranston, Chariho Regional H.S. in Wood River Junction, and South Kingstown Jr. H.S. in Wakefield. A veteran of World War II, he was in the 3025th AAF Base Unit in Marfa, Texas and later a 2nd lieutenant in the 533rd Bombardment Squadron 381st Bombardment Group. He loved raising sheep, gardening, fishing, working with and cutting wood. Family was very important to him and he looked forward to having his children and grandchildren with him. He was also very close to his many cousins, nieces and nephews. Whether teaching or working or gardening, he especially loved sharing the fruits of his labors with others. He delighted in meeting former students, remembering their names and accomplishments. For years Harold was on many committees as a member of the Peace Dale Congregational Church. He was also a past high priest of Unity Chapter #12 Royal Arch, a past master of Hope Lodge #25, and a 32 Mason in the Scottish Rite Valley of Providence. He was a past patron of Nestell Chapter #6, O.E.S., and past grand master of the Grand Chapter of R.I. O.E.S. Besides his wife, Janet, he is survived by his sister, Martha Frost, his three children, Barbara E. Gilbert (husband Rodney), Carol A. Zurcher (husband George), and Jeffrey H. Smith and his five grandchildren: Katherine Stine (husband Marc, daughter Cora), Justin Zurcher (daughters Cassidy and Lauren), Seth Gilbert (wife Laura, daughters Emma and Charlotte), Marc Zurcher, and Hannah Gilbert (husband Adam Cole, son Oliver). He was predeceased by his sister, Margaret Wright and his brother, William Smith, Jr. A funeral will be held on Saturday, March 16th at 10:00 a.m. at the Peace Dale Congregational Church, 261 Columbia St., Peace Dale, RI. A visiting time and reception will follow the service. Burial will be private.