In loving memory of

John E. Smith
August 9, 1956 - August 28, 2009

Portsmouth, RI - John E. Smitty Smith, 53, of 59 Dexter Street, Portsmouth, RI, died with his loving family by his side on Friday, August 28, 2009, after a courageous battle with cancer, at the Newport Hospital, Newport, RI.He was the husband of Sandra L. McCollum Smith. Born in Newport, RI, on August 9, 1956, he was the son of Annie Frances Silvia Smith and the late Oren Lee Smith. Smitty most recently worked as the Business/Finance Manager for Saccucci Lincoln Mercury Honda, but had previously worked as a DJ for WOTB, a licensed mechanic at Aquidneck Lanes where he then became the proprietor of Smittys Lockshop, as a staff accountant at Louann Lawrence CPA Associates, as the Business/Finance Manager at Barry Pontiac Buick, and as a proprietor of Stone Bridge Liquors in Tiverton. He was constantly educating himself in new and different fields having received degrees and certifications in engineering, math, locksmithing, and lastly received a degree in Business Administration and Accounting from Bristol Community College. His educational honors included being a member of the National Deans List, Phi Theta Kapa, the International Honor Society and the Alpha Sigma Lamba, National Honor Society. He was a member of the Middletown FOPA 21, the Portsmouth Rotary Club, the Narragansett Bay Radio Club, and was Treasurer of the Portsmouth High School Band. He was an avid New York Yankees and LA Lakers fan, enjoyed bowling, and restoring his 1950 Chevy Pickup, but most enjoyed spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren. Besides his wife, he is survived by three sons, Thomas R. Nasser, Jr. and his wife Kristina of Middletown, Ronald Nasser of Warwick, and Shawn M. Nasser of Portsmouth, a daughter, Dawn Nasser Rogers and her husband Doug Rogers of Portsmouth, two brothers, Duane Higgins of Newport and Dale Smith of Florida, a sister, Mona Higgins Dube of Newport, seven grandchildren, Britney Craig, Selena Nasser, Aaron Nasser, Hannah Nasser, Shay Nasser, Max Nasser, and Connor Rogers, three nieces, Ashley Smith, Arielle Goble, and Cara Higgins, and one nephew, Cody Goble.His funeral will be held on Wednesday, September 2, 2009, at 11:00am, in the First Presbyterian Church, 6 Everett Street, Newport, RI. Burial will be private.Calling hours will be held Tuesday, September 1, 2009, from 4:00-8:00pm in the Connors Funeral Home, 55 West Main Road, Portsmouth, RI 02871.Memorial donations in his memory can be made to the Portsmouth High School Music Boosters, P.O. Box 21, Portsmouth, RI 02871.

Tributes

Mary Ulrich Budlong - October .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty touched a lot of people's lives in such a positive way. That will be his legacy and you all should be very proud."

MICHAEL LITTLEFIELD - Septembe.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty you will be missed my friend, I still can see your big grin everytime you saw me enter the room and your famous words to me "LITTLEFIELD YOU A@#%^^&" . You allways knew how to make us laugh. God Bless you Smitty Mike Littlefield"

Jeffrey Littlefield - Septemb.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandra, Tommy, Ronnie, Shawn, Dawn and the rest of the family. My most sincere thoughts and prayers are with you. Jeff"

Michael Pike - September 05, 2.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dear Family of "Smitty": After working a professional career for 30 years an unfortunate incident caused me to change careers. I chose the auto industry and was exposed to many unsavory, dishonest, and ignorant people. John gave me faith as a super person who could probably have been successful in any industry he chose. His personality of integrity, honesty, and humor lifted up anyone fortunate enough to be associated to him. In God's Blessing MP"

Lois Erhartic - September 05, .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"I had the wonderful opportunity to get to know Smitty when he worked with Louann. His kind soul, warm smile and gentle ways were blessings that he shared freely. My sincere condolences to his family and friends. I know he will be deeply missed by many."

Rose Gilbert - September 04, 2.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Tommie - my condolences to you and your family."

Betty Earl - September 03, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"To Smitty's family: My boys and I met Smitty at Aquidneck Lanes in the 70s and he was such a good friend to my sons, always had good advice and shared many fun times with them. Always thoughtful, always had a smile on his face - what a great person he was and how lucky you were to share your life with him and how sad to lose him so soon. Cherish the memories - our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Paul & Carol Kardel - Septembe.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy & Family Our thoughts and prayers are with you"

Irene Ferreira - September 01,.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"My deepest sympathy to all of Smitty's family and friends. Irene Lee-ann's siter"

Ted Rausch - September 01, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty, You will be missed. What you were able to accomplish in 1 year with our music program was remarkable. My thoughts and prayers are with your family."

Liz Silvia - September 01, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty, You will be missed by all who knew and loved you. We were blessed to have known you."

Maryann White - September 01, .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"We met Smitty through music boosters and were blessed to have known him. He was a kind generous soul. Rest in Peace Smitty. Maryann and family"

John F Davis - September 01, 2.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"To Shawn, And the entire family,I share your loss, I lost my father in September of 1979, and still know when that anniversary comes up every year, with out looking at the calander. God Bless you all in your time of sorrow. Grateful, John"

Diane Holdridge - September 01.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy, Tommy, Ronnie, Shawn, Dawn & Brittany, What a great loss for you and all us that new Smitty. We have so many wonderful memories of our time spent with him at the FOP his hearty laugh, and his gentle, gentle ways. My children adored him, he was always so supportive in anything they did. I know he is up there with Jack planning on how to start a Bingo. We will miss him terribly. "Smitty, Go with God, & Peace & hair grease" With Love, Diane & Pete"

sharon Mello - September 01, .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy and Family My thoughts and prayers are with you My husband loved him- Smitty was a kind- gentle- thoughtful - loving Husband, Dad- and doting Grandfather Jack and Smitty constantly shared srories-about their famiies- and my husband shared each of them with our family He loved all of you so much and was so proud of each of you Rest in peace Smitty"

JanetAnn - August 31, 2009 at .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"To the Family: I am so sorry for your loss.You will be missed Uncle John by so many."

Stephanie Holdridge - August 3.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy, and Family, Smitty was a wonderful man, he will never be forgotten. i will never forget what a kind and gentle heart he had, and how wondeful he was to me and my family as i was growing up. you are all in my thoughts and prayers."

John McCauley - August 31, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dear Sandy and Family; My thoughts and prayers are with you all;"

Robyn & Bob Kestler - August 3.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Tommy and Family, We are very sorry for your loss. Smitty was a great guy and will be missed. You are all in our thoughts and prayers Robyn and Bob"

Nancy Nasiff - August 31, 2009.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy and Family Smitty will be sadly missed so sorry for your loss our hearts go out to all of you Love Mike and Nancy"

Terri Burgess - August 31, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Sandy,Tommy,Kristina,Ronnie,Shawn, and Dawn, All my heartfelt sympathy goes out to all of you. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Smitty was a great guy. He will be missed by all!!!"

Paul Burke - August 31, 2009 a.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"To the family of John Smith; I met Smitty through a mutual friend when he was a Rogers High School student studying print shop, around 1973. At the time, John drove a '59 Caddy. A few years later, John and I both began working as mechanics for Barry Pontiac. I always thought very highly of John, and admired his even temper, cool disposition, and awesome sense of humor. I never saw John without his "trademark" smile. John was a true gentleman, and I'm deeply saddened to hear of his passing. God Bless."

Jane & Ralph Becker - August 3.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dear Sandy & family, Smitty was just the best. He always had a great smile and a hearty hello for everyone. You are in our thoughts at this difficult time."

Jeff Field - August 31, 2009 a.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"I've known John for many years,worked with him and worked for him and can honestly say he was as True as could be.His intelligence,mild manner and kindness are unique. He has a heart of goid and will be missed."

Tami Faria - August 31, 2009 a.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dear Dawn and family, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time."

Holly Mello - August 31, 2009 .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dawn, Ronnie, Tommy and Shawn, My heartfelt sympathies to you all and your families."

Charlene & Art - August 31, 20.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty, Mittens You will be sadly missed but not forgotton. : I know you are there playing bocce with Jack and having a few cocktails with Brenda. We will help watch over your family and will always be there for them. Love you, Charlene & Art"

Cherie Lawson - August 31, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Dear Dawn, Brittney & Family, We are truely sorry for your tremendous loss! You are in our thoughts and prayers, Craig, Cherie & family"

Ana Flores-DeSa - August 31, 2.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Smitty, You will be greatly miss.You were a man who touched so many lives,& I was blessed to have been one of them.I will Miss your laugh & smile so much,but I know you will be close in our hearts.Rest in Peace POP! Love Miss Banana xoxo"

daniel A. Rydberg - August 31,.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"You were always a good friend. It was fun at bocci and we will all miss you."

Elaine O''Donnell - August 31,.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"It's been many years since I have seen Smitty, But I do know the love he had for his Family was Amazing! I can remember going over to the house & he would always give me a hard time but was always very welcoming... I Know Smitty is in a much better place.... I am here if you need anything"

Ronald Nasser - August 31, 200.. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Hay POP's, Thank you for everything you brought to everyone's life but most of all thank you for teaching me everything I know to start of my career. I love you and will miss you"

Dawn Rogers - August 30, 2009 .. wrote on Aug 28, 2009:

"Pop, You were the best Dad, Grandfather, and my Best Friend. Thank you for everything! We will miss you and think of you all of the time. Peace and hair grease Go with God. All our Love, Dawn, Doug, Britney and Connor XOXOXO"