Kenneth W. Smith Sr.

1929 - 2020

SMITH, KENNETH W. SR.,
91, died peacefully at home, November 25, 2020, surrounded by his family.
Born June 4, 1929, he was a son of Jesse K. and Euphemia P. Smith of Providence; husband of the late Theresa M. (Barker) Smith; brother of Robert Smith and wife Doris, Doris Senecal Gildea and husband Charles, also the late Gene Senecal, and his late brother and wife, Alfred and Loretta Smith. He leaves behind three sons and a daughter, Kenneth W. Smith Jr. and wife Donna, Richard Smith and wife Dawn, Karen Iannucci and fiancé Keven Young, and Robert A. Smith. He has 9 grandchildren, Kimberly Andrade, Keri Lyn Smith, Jaclyn Loignon, Katelin Bryniczka, Richard Smith Jr., Joshua Smith, Joseph Iannucci, Jenna Velardo, and Alana Smith. He was also blessed with 17 great-grandchildren.
Kenneth was a member of the Teamsters Local 251 for 66+ years. For a period, he operated heavy-duty construction equipment for Local 57 in the Operating Engineers. He was a partner with his dad in J. Smith & Son's Construction.
In 1951 he was drafted in the Korean War, was promoted to sergeant, and served until 1953. After the war, he married his beloved Theresa (Barker) and had 4 children. Sadly, he lost his wife of 46 years in 2000. He worked for Adley as a driver and union steward. He also worked for Tilcon/Gamino until he retired at age 62. He then partnered with his son, Kenneth Jr. at Town Line Towing & Recovery. He became quite the legend for working harder and longer than anyone in the towing industry. He drove a Peterbilt tow truck until the age of 88.5 when he became ill. He vowed to come back, and did, working 3 more years until 91.5. He had a love for motorcycles, and working, but mostly he loved his family and was thankful to see it grow!
Relatives and friends are invited to attend a visitation on Saturday at 10 AM in St. Anthony Church, 1413 Mineral Spring Avenue, North Providence, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at 11 AM. Burial with military honors will be private. In lieu of flowers, donation may be made to St. Anthony Church Memorial Fund, 5 Gibbs Street, North Providence, RI 02904. A livestream of the Mass may be viewed at www.saintanthonychurch.org.
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