John L. “Jack” Smith
Date of Passing:
John L. “Jack” Smith, 83, of Riverside, died peacefully on June 4, 2025 at the HopeHealth Hulitar Hospice Center Providence, surrounded by his loving family. He was the beloved husband of Diane A. (Donnelly) Smith.
Born in Providence, a son of the late John L. Smith (Prov PD) AND Licia (Magnani) Smith, he lived in Riverside for 61 years.
Jack graduated from LaSalle Academy and enlisted in the United States Navy from 1959-1962. He served his time on the USS Independence Aircraft Carrier, where he was able to see the world.
Jack worked for the City of East Providence Police Department beginning in 1972 as a Special Police Officer, then as a Police & Fire Dispatcher, retiring in 2008 as the Police Department Prosecution Clerk.
Jack is survived by his wife of 60 years Diane A. Smith (Donnelly) of Riverside. Three sons, John L. Smith III (wife Laura), Michael Smith, and Stephen Smith. 7 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter, 4 siblings, Patricia Smith, Sheila Laclair, Catherine Iavarone and Richard Smith.
Jack loved watching hockey and was an Off-Ice Official for the AHL Providence Bruins for 25 seasons.
He was a past member of many groups including, The Blue Knights RI chapter 1, Goldwing Road Riders chapter “B”, The Knights of Columbus, and Riverside Little League where he coached all three of his sons and many other ball players for 25 years. Jack was also the President of Local 15509 union for several years.
He loved to spend time with his loving wife Diane and his children. Jack and Diane were avid motorcycle enthusiasts and rode his Trike Motorcycle named “Jack & Diane” all over New England for many years with their friends. They loved spending time on Cape Cod and camped at Maple Park for decades where they watched their children grow. They enjoyed watching all 3 sons play baseball and raise their children.
Calling Hours are Sunday June 8, 2025 in the W. RAYMOND WATSON FUNERAL HOME, 350 Willett Avenue, Riverside from 4-7 p.m.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial on Monday June 9, 2025 in St. Brendan Church, Turner Avenue, Riverside at 10 a.m. Burial with Military Honors will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Providence.
Flowers are respectfully omitted. Contributions in Jack’s memory to Hope Health Hospice & Palliative Care, 1085 North Main Street, Providence, RI would be deeply appreciated.
To The Smith Family, I am so sorry for your loss I have known Jack for over 40 years and he was always a gentleman to work with and call him a friend May he Rest in Peace and God Bless Him.
My deepest condolences, to Diane, John, Michael, Steven and the rest of the Smith family, John. Jack was an outstanding dispatcher with whom I enjoyed working countless shifts. I recall how helpful he was when I had to learn to procure criminal complaints, affidavits, warrants and other paperwork required for his office when he served in the Prosecution Division. His work was first rate, and he was as reliable as one could imagine. His sense of humor was never lost on me and I’ll always fondly remember the good laughs we enjoyed together while trying to make sense of the chaos around us. He was a solid as they come. Good man, doting father and devoted husband. I will surely miss him. 10-42, Jack. May he Rest In Peace. 🙏❤️🙏
Uncle Jack, although we didn’t see each other often, I was always excited to see you. You were a great example to others. I know that I picked up on some of these things. Your career in law enforcement and helping your community, volunteering to coach your boys and others for all those years. A very strong, humble, fun, funny giant of a man. I will miss you always. Rest in peace Uncle Jack!
Auntie Diane, our prayers are for you, John, Michael and Steven.
Christopher Smith
And family
Karen, Cade, Connor and Cassidy
Many great memories with the Smith family growing up, Uncle Jack will be missed!
You will be truly missed.
So sorry to read of the passing of Jack. I worked many years with him on the police department. I loved how he took great pride in his duty as a police dispatcher. He never once complained when asked to go a step further in his position. He could always be counted on. I can still hear his low muffled laugh when he thought you did something funny. Always a smile no matter what. My deepest and sincere condolences go out to his wife Diane, his sons, siblings, and grandchildren. In the many years I knew him I can not recall a single time he was moody or didn’t have a happy smile on his face. He had a joyous feeling of life and did not deserve to pass at a cancer center. It is sad he has left us but at least he is now out of pain. RIP Jack. I know you still have that smile going. 10-4!!
Our sincerest condolences to the entire Smith family. Jack was such a great guy and will be missed.
My condolences to the Smith family. I am sorry for your loss. Jack was one of a kind and a good man. I first met him when he coached me in Little League and would see him often over the next 50 years. Rest in peace Jack and may god bless you and your family.
Gonna miss you Jack. You were one a of kind. Peace.
Oh Jack, I will always cherish the memories I have of riding with you with Chapter B. With love always, Katie
We love and miss you
John & Laura