Obituary for Charles Eugene "Gene" Smith
Charles E. “Gene” Smith, 73, of Providence, passed away unexpectedly at home. Born in Providence, he was a son of the late Eugene C. and Beatrice (Curtis) Smith. He was raised in a loving home in Providence together with his six siblings and attended local schools. As a loyal member of a military family, Gene voluntarily interrupted his formal education to enlist in the United States Army and proudly served his country during the Vietnam conflict, achieving the rank of Staff Sergeant. He was the recipient of a Silver Medal and three Bronze Stars
Following his military service, he attended Rhode Island Trade Shop School and embarked on a decades-long career as a diesel motors mechanic. Throughout his career and into retirement, Gene was heavily involved with a variety of mechanical endeavors, projects, opportunities, and ‘all things mechanical’, helping anyone he could with their particular automotive issues along the way! He often sacrificed precious personal time overextending himself in helping and ‘rescuing’ family, friends, and others from roadside break downs, near and far, responding to their every automotive need! In addition, he especially enjoyed drag racing, and was a long-time key player in the Bill Lawton Auto Racing enterprise.
Gene was an avid listener to ‘oldies’ and ‘early’ rock and roll music, and one of the first Charter Members of the Elvis Presley Fan Club; he was a true follower of the ‘King’ and his music! Although never once was he (nor ever would he be) mistaken for a gourmet chef, Gene loved to cook and will be remembered for his always-awesome meatballs and marvelous meatloaf; he absolutely loved Italian food…and, of course, his coffee!
Gene was incredibly easy-going and known to and respected by most all who crossed his paths and traveled with him and especially his fellow 'Broadway fraternity brothers' who frequented the Bagel Express shop, where they solved world problems and enjoyed each other's company. Profoundly humble and always compassionate, kind, caring, and generous, Gene was a “give the shirt off his back” kind of guy.
Gene is survived by his two children, Steven and Carol; his granddaughter, Megan; his brothers, Bruce, Gary, Paul, and Scott, all still living in RI; and his sisters, Donna in RI, and Dale in Florida.
Arrangements for Gene are entrusted to the Berarducci Home. Burial with full military honors will take place on Thursday, February 16th at 11am at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.
Meanwhile, family, friends, and anyone who ever benefitted from Gene’s selflessness are encouraged to honor him by doing a random act of kindness for someone else. Farewell, Gene, ‘good and faithful servant’; rest in peace!
Condolences & Memories may respectfully be left on this site.
Following his military service, he attended Rhode Island Trade Shop School and embarked on a decades-long career as a diesel motors mechanic. Throughout his career and into retirement, Gene was heavily involved with a variety of mechanical endeavors, projects, opportunities, and ‘all things mechanical’, helping anyone he could with their particular automotive issues along the way! He often sacrificed precious personal time overextending himself in helping and ‘rescuing’ family, friends, and others from roadside break downs, near and far, responding to their every automotive need! In addition, he especially enjoyed drag racing, and was a long-time key player in the Bill Lawton Auto Racing enterprise.
Gene was an avid listener to ‘oldies’ and ‘early’ rock and roll music, and one of the first Charter Members of the Elvis Presley Fan Club; he was a true follower of the ‘King’ and his music! Although never once was he (nor ever would he be) mistaken for a gourmet chef, Gene loved to cook and will be remembered for his always-awesome meatballs and marvelous meatloaf; he absolutely loved Italian food…and, of course, his coffee!
Gene was incredibly easy-going and known to and respected by most all who crossed his paths and traveled with him and especially his fellow 'Broadway fraternity brothers' who frequented the Bagel Express shop, where they solved world problems and enjoyed each other's company. Profoundly humble and always compassionate, kind, caring, and generous, Gene was a “give the shirt off his back” kind of guy.
Gene is survived by his two children, Steven and Carol; his granddaughter, Megan; his brothers, Bruce, Gary, Paul, and Scott, all still living in RI; and his sisters, Donna in RI, and Dale in Florida.
Arrangements for Gene are entrusted to the Berarducci Home. Burial with full military honors will take place on Thursday, February 16th at 11am at the Rhode Island Veterans Cemetery in Exeter.
Meanwhile, family, friends, and anyone who ever benefitted from Gene’s selflessness are encouraged to honor him by doing a random act of kindness for someone else. Farewell, Gene, ‘good and faithful servant’; rest in peace!
Condolences & Memories may respectfully be left on this site.