Stephen David Smith

Stephen David Smith, 67, of Wakefield, Rhode Island, unexpectedly passed away on February 27, 2026, at home.

Steve was born on June 17, 1958, in South Kingstown, Rhode Island, to William and Margorie Smith. He grew up in Wakefield and graduated from South Kingstown High School in 1976.

After working for a few years for someone else, Steve followed his entrepreneurial spirit and founded SmithCo Oil Service in 1985. What began with just himself and a single used truck grew into one of Southern Rhode Island's leading family-owned, independent oil and home heating service companies. Steve took tremendous pride in his work and built his business on reliability, integrity, and exceptional customer service. Known for having the cleanest trucks around, SmithCo also became known for its generosity. During his nearly 40 years of ownership, SmithCo could always be counted on to sponsor local youth sports teams, support nonprofit and social service organizations. He retired and sold the business in 2024, leaving behind a respected legacy in the community he loved. Steve was also generous with his personal time and resources always ready and willing to help his family, friends and neighbors whenever needed.

Steve was a longtime member of the South Kingstown Elks Lodge and a dedicated coach for South Kingstown Little League, where, in addition to coaching his own sons and grandson, he enjoyed mentoring young athletes and supporting their growth both on and off the field.

Although he lived closer to Boston than the Bronx, Steve was a lifelong Yankees fan, thinking nothing of traveling the extra miles to enjoy games with his kids. He also spent countless miles traveling across the country to cheer on his son David's college baseball team, his son Kevin's motocross races, and his daughter Samantha's equestrian competitions, even serving as the University of South Carolina Team Dad for four years. Above all, Steve cherished time with his family. He especially loved being the best Papi ever to his grandchildren, taking his dogs on their daily Dunkin' rides, and never passing up a slice of blueberry pie. He will be remembered for his strong work ethic, generous spirit, and deep love for those closest to him.

Steve was preceded in death by his father, William Smith, and his mother, Marjorie Matteson (Smith).

He is survived by his loving wife of 37 years, Melissa (Moretti) Smith; his former wife, Bonnie Pierce; his sons, David Smith and Kevin Smith; his daughter and son-in-law, Samantha (Smith) Palmer and Joseph Palmer; his cherished grandchildren, Brooklyn and Easton Smith; his brother, Donald Smith of Massachusetts; his sister, Karen Lee Boyd of South Carolina; and many extended family members, friends, and loyal customers.

Services will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Stephen's memory to Animal Rescue of Rhode Island in South Kingstown (https://secure.qgiv.com/for/animalrescuerhodeisland/), or the American Heart Association, Rhode Island Chapter (https://www.heart.org/en/affiliates/rhode-island).