Roland W. Smith

Roland Wayne Smith, 49, of West Greenwich, RI, passed away on March 8, 2017 after succumbing to injuries sustained in the March 2 accident that took the life of his dear sister, Gail A. Amaral. Roland was the son of the late Richard Winslow Smith and Helen Patricia (McLellan) Smith. Roland was also predeceased by his brother Edward Smith. He is survived by his sister Sheila L Trivisonno (Edward) and his brother, Richard W. Smith, Jr. (Janet) and many nieces and nephews. God, in His mercy, chose to take Roland and Gail together.

Roland graduated from Pilgrim High School in Warwick, where he spent much of his early years prior to moving to West Greenwich with his parents. After the death of his parents, Roland lived independently with caregivers coordinated by his sister Gail. 

Roland was a lighthouse in his community and made friends easily. He attended the Trudeau Center for many years and also worked part time at a local restaurant.

Roland was a champion swimmer with Special Olympics. He enjoyed going to the movies, loved animals and had a special relationship with wolves.

Roland took great pride in being an altar server at St. Kateri’s Church where he was a member. He also enjoyed the services at Faith Fellowship where he would sway to the music as his hands were lifted in praise to his Savior and Lord. His was a simple faith that trusted Jesus for everything.

Roland was pure light and love and this world is a bit darker without him.

Joint calling hours for Roland W. Smith and his sister Gail A. Amaral will be held at Gorton-Menard Funeral Home and Crematory on Sunday, April 2nd, 2017 from 1:00 pm - 4:00 pm. A Mass of Christian Burial of Roland's and Gail's lives will be held at St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI on Monday, April 3rd, 2017 at 10:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations can be made to; Trudeau Memorial Center, 250 Commonwealth Avenue, Warwick, RI 02886 or Special Olympics RI, 370 George Washington Highway, #1, Smithfield, RI 02917 or St. Kateri Tekakwitha Church, 84 Exeter Road, Exeter, RI 02822.

For online condolences please visit www.gortonmenardfuneralhome.com

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