Kevin Smith

NORTH PORT, FL/HOLDEN – Kevin Smith, 81, formerly of Holden, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 24, 2017 under the loving care of his wife, Sharon and the staff at Tidewell Hospice in Englewood, Florida. Born in Providence and raised in Cranston, Rhode Island, Kevin was the son of the late Edward J. and Margaret (Finn) Smith and lived over fifty years in Holden before moving to North Port last year. Kevin was a graduate LaSalle Academy in Providence and the University of Rhode Island in Kingston. He honorably served his country for several years as a captain in the U.S. Army. He owned and operated Formsystems, Inc. in Holden for many years. He was a kind soul and everyone who knew him loved him. Kevin was an eternal optimist, outgoing, full of life, and remembered for his big heart and refreshing Irish sense of humor. “His way with others” and “If you can’t have fun…don’t,” were cornerstone quotes that he often recited as a reminder to others to value your friendships, keep life simple, and hold steadfastly to your sense of humor. There is an old Irish saying “May your right hand always be stretched in friendship and never in want,” Kevin rarely met a stranger that he didn’t soon consider a friend. He was selfless by nature and always willing to help others in need. Kevin’s interests included playing golf, vacationing in Florida and at the south shore of Rhode Island. He will be affectionately remembered and missed by his wife and best friend of 23 years, Sharon L (DePerrio) Smith; his sons, Patrick and Thomas Smith both of Worcester and Brian Smith of LaCrescenta, CA; a stepson, Brian Boyce of Holden; three sisters, Mary Smith of Warwick, RI, Joyia Smith of Cranston, RI and Judith Hodges of California; grandchildren Andrew, Sarah, Walker, Derek, Caitlyn and Kelly; nephews and nieces. His first wife, Billie G. (Steffens) Smith died in 1994.He is also predeceased by his brother, Edward “Teddy” Smith. A graveside service honoring Kevin’s life will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, July 11, at Grove Cemetery in Holden. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to a charity of your choice. Miles Funeral Home, 1158 Main St., Holden is directing local arrangements. To share a memory or offer a condolence, please "sign the guest book" on this page.