On Oct. 18, 1994, the Smithfield Town Council formally approved the Smithfield Heritage Hall of Fame as a symbol of unity and a means of thanking those who, throughout their lives, brought prominence and distinguished themselves  while living in the Town of Smithfield.  Those who gave of themselves for no other reason but for the betterment of others.

~ Inductees ~

2009

2007 

Michael J. Flynn After moving to Smithfield in 1970, Mike was elected to the R.I. Senate in 1979 and served for twenty-two years including four years as minority leader from 1992-1996.  He currently serves on the Town Council and was re-elected in 2004 and 2006. In 1991 he was elected to serve as chairman of the Smithfield Charter Commission which he drew up and helped pass the current Smithfield Home Rule Charter and later served as chairman of the Smithfield Charter Review Commission. Mike was instrumental in the major overhaul and repair of the Stump Pond Dam.

Robert J. Salisbury An educator, administrator, coach and public official which spanned 40 years, Bob established standards of excellence for thousands of students attending Smithfield public schools. In 1967, Bob was appointed the new high school's first varsity baseball coach. He founded the Athletic Booster Club and held office in the little league. The "Word of the Day" program and the annual Senior Oratorical Contest which he created is still today one of his academic highlights.

Alfred J. Bulpitt A Smithfield resident for 45 years, Alfred is long time member of the Smithfield YMCA and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. He has been an associate of the "Friends of the Greenville Public Library" for approximately ten years. A former employee of 30 years with the Bulova Watch Company, Alfred invested six years in the United States Navy.  He fought aboard the Destroyer U.S.S. SHAW in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater of war and a Pearl Harbor survivor.

Frances C. D'Angelo Frances began her teaching in Town in 1940 and was appointed Music Supervisor for all the Town schools. She was a CCD Supervisor, served on the Diocesan Liturgy Committee and Chairperson of the Planning Committee at St. Michael's Parish.  Frances was also the Choir Director and Organist for 37 years. During her years at Cook and LaPerche Schools she developed the new creative writing program.

William P. Nangle Bill became the Recreation Director in 1970 and retired 25 years later. During that time he started the tennis programs for children and adults. He founded the first girls Softball league in R.I. in 1971. Later he started the bicycle club, girls basketball program and soccer program. Among his other accomplishments, he was instrumental in reviving the Raider's youth football program, started girls hockey, summer track and co-founded the instructional baseball league.

2003 

John Robert “Jack” Devine was a retired state police captain and former Smithfield chief of police.  Well known by many throughout the community and the state, he was also a Marine Corps veteran and served in Japan in Hawaii.  While serving in Hawaii he received a meritorious field promotion to corporal for swimming out 300 yards to a downed plane before it sank, saving the life of a marine pilot who had crashed.  

Mr. Devine had entered the Rhode Island State Police Training Academy in 1963. A member of the state police for more than 20 years, he had served in every barracks, and in the detective division, before retiring in 1985 as Adjutant. He participated in many special training programs, including a course for narcotics officers, at the New York Police Academy; a homicide investigators' course, at the New England State Police Academy; a Hazardous Material Handling School, in Denver, Colo.; a dignitary-protection course with the Secret Service; and a three-month course at the Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy, in Quantico, Va. In 1976, as a corporal, he was awarded the Departmental Ribbon, for outstanding police activity marked by courage and ability above and beyond the call of duty, after he succeeded in wounding a fleeing murder suspect while clinging to the hood of the man's getaway car. He also received many other commendations and awards, over the course of his service, including one for saving the lives of three women he rescued from a burning house. Mr. Devine also had represented the state police at the General Assembly, and on the Rhode Island State Traffic Commission. He had served as regional chairman of the National Combined Accident Reduction and Enforcement program, and as a member of the promotional boards of the Cranston and Philadelphia, Pa., police departments and the Maine State Police.

He took office as Smithfield police chief in 1989, and retired six years later. His achievements in the post included establishing the RUOK program for senior citizens. He was a past president of the Rhode Island Police Chiefs Association.

Jack had also served as superintendent of the Greenville Water District. Active in community affairs, he had served as a member of the board of directors of the Ronald McDonald House, in Providence; chairman of the Smithfield Veterans Memorial Walk Committee and the Jay Lawrence Memorial Golf Tournament; and co-chairman of the Smithfield Senior Center capital campaign. Mr. Devine was a charter member of the Smithfield Elks, a member of the Smithfield Lions Club, and a former member of the Lions Club Cancer in Children Committee. He had been named a Melvin Jones Fellow by the Lions Club International Foundation, for his humanitarian efforts.  Jack Devine passed away in May of 2004.  

Burleigh M. Briggs, a 35 yr. resident of the Town, served as a former member of the Providence Police department. He began is career as a foot patrolman in South Providence area and later moved up through the ranks to the Detective Division.  He was awarded 22 commendations and in addition received commendations from the Massachusetts District Attorney and the United States District Attorney Office for his work against organized crime.  He later worked for Allstate Insurance and served 15 years as a Smithfield Reserve Police Officer.   Burleigh has been instrumental in seeing all the recreation facilities in Smithfield refurbished back in the late 80's and 90's.  Coached for years in the girls softball league, served on the Girls Softball Board of Directors for years and concluded his tenure as its President.  While serving as President of the Girls Softball league, he founded the Fourth of July Softball Tournament called the "Firecracker" to raise scholarship money for deserving students.  Burleigh founded and coached the St. Michael's Girls Catholic Youth organization basketball team, spoke strongly in favor of buying Deerfield Park back in the 90's, currently volunteers as a Meals on Wheels driver and also volunteers at a Providence Inner-City Soup Kitchen.  A longtime member of the Providence Gridiron Club and was recently named President of the Providence Gridiron Club which supports local colleges, high school teams and honors players, coaches and their families for their achievements.  Burleigh has been a true public servant and over the years has had a profound impact on the town of Smithfield and the State of RI.   Married to Claire M. (Latraverse) Briggs, they are proud parents of 4 girls: Jean, Patricia, Elizabeth, Leigh and have six grandchildren. 

William J. Hawkins Jr., best known as Bill.   Bill's work career was with the State of RI from 1974 to 1995 holding positions from Superintendent of Property Control to Deputy Chief of Parks and Recreation and from 1982 to his retirement as Chief of the division. Bill proudly served the Town of Smithfield for many years.  For years he was a member of the Smithfield High School boosters' Club and served as its' president from 1980-1982. He was the Commander of the VFW 2929 a number of times.  He was a member of the Smithfield Democratic Town Committee from 1986 until his death in July 2001.  Elected to the Smithfield Town Council in 1988 and serving for the next six years, Bill was dedicated to making Smithfield a great place to live.  As President of the Town council from 1990-1994 Bill was instrumental in the acquisition and development of the Deerfield Park Complex. He worked tirelessly to establish a senior citizens' center.  It is now considered by many to be one of the finest in the state and a jewel to Smithfield.  His efforts on this project did not go unnoticed as he was given the very first membership to the center and the street on which it is located is now called William J, Hawkins Jr. Trail. Bill and his wife Anne had 6 children; Kathy, William III, Bernie, Cheryl, Paul and Kevin. 9 grandchildren and 2 more on the way. 

Florence Farrier Hall best known for a life long commitment to the Girls Scouting movement and was a protégé of Marie Gaudette with whom she later worked to develop scouting programs for girls in Rhode Island.  Florence founded the first Girl Scout Troop in 1937, identified as Lone Troop #1.  The troop was later named Troop 55.   Florence served as leader of the troop for the next 25 years.  In 1964 she was honored by the Girls Scout for long service and was presented with a bust of Juliet Gordon Lowe- national founder.  Ten years later she was recipient of the coveted Girl Scout Thanks Badge, which is, awarded volunteers who have served selflessly and with significant merit.

From 1943 -1954, Florence transported patients from Smithfield, North Providence, Foster and Glocester to hospitals in Providence and Boston as a Red Cross Volunteer.  For years this was for servicemen and then later for polio victims.  During World War II: She created and erected in the Greenville Post Office an honor roll listing the names of all Greenville servicemen, and wrote and mailed to all Greenville servicemen a newsletter signed "Futy" (From us to you) that went out monthly or bimonthly with news of local doings.    She taught Sunday school, was active in choir and fundraisers, organized a sports day in Smithfield, served as a judge and umpired volleyball games.  She petitioned the School Department to include physical education in the curriculum and became the first instructor for Smithfield Schools. She was an active member of the Smithfield Historical Society, served on the cemetery project and was on the Bicentennial Historical Committee. 

Walter Kane grew up in Smithfield and was instrumental in bringing about the construction of  Smithfield High School.  He has been very active in civic affairs.  Born to Frank and Helen Kane, he was one of eight children.  Married to Ruth Marco in 1953.  Walter operated a family clothing business at age 26 and was elected and reelected six times as State Senator representing Smithfield .  Walter served as chairman of the Raymond C. LaPerche School building committee, chairman of the Smithfield High School building committee, chairman of the Anna McCabe School building committee, co-founder and president of Rally Point Racquet Club.  Walter worked as Clerk of the Rhode Island Supreme Court from 1966 to 1988.  He helped found and was first vice-president of the Smithfield Little League, a lifetime member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Department and has received the Distinguished Service Award from the Rhode Island Bar Association.  Walter and Ruth also have done their part in helping populate the Town of Smithfield as they are proud parents of seven children and ten grandchildren, many who live in Smithfield and surrounding communities. 

2001

Dr. F. Daniel Russell, D.M.D. provided 39 years of dental service to our community, with years in local government and as a State Senator of RI.  He was once President of the Georgiaville Fire Department, 8 years member of the school committee, 7 years member of the planning board and 5 years a member of the Smithfield Conservation commission.  A life time member of the Lions Club, 20 years member of the Historical Society as well as active in church affairs.  A man of strong character, he succeeded in spite of his physical handicap. 

Mary Mowry taught school at William Winsor for several years.  She has for many years helped maintain the history of this community through her membership in the Smithfield Historical Society. 

Mary donated the land where the Smithfield Police station now stands, she paid to move the Primrose train station to the grounds of the Smith-Appleby House and lived in the stone house near the Greenville Library for many years.  She has worked to salvage the Mowry houses on the grounds of Bryant University and has generously provided 84 acres of land to the Town of Smithfield through the Smithfield Land Trust. 

August Bruno, former manager of the Mt. Pleasant Hardware Store and Tondre Plumbing Supply Company, was a highly decorated war veteran, member of the first Senior Center Advisory Committee, served as vice chairman of RSVP in Northern Rhode Island, managed CYO hockey and baseball teams. 

Mr. Bruno was a volunteer for the family support groups in the intensive care units of both Miriam and Our Lady of Fatima Hospitals.  He also was very active in community government serving on the Democratic Town Committee, Board of Tenants, Board of Canvassers to name a few. 

Dr. John K. Boyle, named RI Superintendent of the year in 1988.  The Boyle Athletic Complex on the Smithfield High School campus named in his honor. Over the years Dr. Boyle earned the reputation of being a great statistician living within budget "ups" and "downs".  He arrived in Smithfield in 1963 to become Superintendent of Schools, a position he held until his retirement in 1988.  He oversaw the building and staffing of Smithfield first comprehensive high school, additions to two elementary schools, a new elementary school and a new junior high school.  He oversaw a budget in 1963 of $850,000 to one that grew to 11 million dollars.  A student body of 1200 to and enrollment of 3600 and a faculty of 56 to 256.   

Upon his retirement in 1988 he was named senior superintendent of schools in Rhode Island in terms of service. No one to this day has held that post in Rhode Island for that length of time. 

George Sutcliffe, much decorated World War II fighter pilot, civic leader, and humanitarian.  The veteran pilot flew 80 missions, receiving the Silver Star for "gallantry in action", the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal with 12 clusters, and inducted into the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame in 1988.  

More recently, George has been active as a member of the Smithfield Veterans Memorial Committee that built The Smithfield Veterans Memorial in Deerfield Park, past president of the Smithfield Lions Club, a member of the Smithfield V.F.W. #2929, a Little league coach and sponsor for years, a Sunday school teacher and former member of the Smithfield Industrial Planning board to name a few.  He gave weekly therapy to a child with cerebral palsy for over fourteen years. He is also founder of the insurance agency known as Bradford-Sutcliffe Associates and Lawrence-Sutcliffe Inc. in Greenville. Mr. Sutcliffe is also a member of the Rhode Island Heritage Hall of Fame.  Mr. Sutcliffe passed away in January 2011.

You can read more about Mr. Sutcliffe's WWII fighter pilot experience in a recent article in the Providence Journal.

1999

Earl N. Brindle was a resident of Smithfield since 1947 where he had owned and operated the former Earl N. Brindle Insurance Agency for over 25 years,  retiring in 1986.  The husband of Alice D. (LaPorte) Brindle, they were married for 62 years. 

Earl served on many town committees:  fourteen years on the Smithfield Sewer Authority, he was the chairman of planning and construction for much of the town's sewer system.  He is a former trustee of the Greenville Baptist Church.  He was a senior high school advisor, a member of the Smithfield Planning Board, a trustee of the Greenville Public Library, and a lifetime member of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as treasurer. He was also a WWII Army Aircorp Veteran serving in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater.  Mr. Brindle passed away in December 2006.

Kathleen Connor - a retired school teacher and librarian in Smithfield.  She began her teaching career, which spanned 43 years, at William Winsor School, then moved to the Esmond School, now the site of the Esmond Public Library.  She also taught in the Junior High School grades 7,8 and 9.  When Smithfield High School opened in 1960s, Connor became the school’s first librarian and critic teacher. She passed away in May of 2006 at age 97.

Albert Larose - who turned 100 on Aug. 17^th, 1999 had a long career of public service.  He held a number of elected and appointed posts, including welfare director, sextant at St. Michael’s Church and truant officer for the school department.  From 1928 until his retirement in 1977 he worked at the Esmond Mills.  Mr. Larose was the organizer of the cribbage club at the Smithfield Senior Center, and has traveled to various cities and towns to play the game. 

George "Bud" Leach - A lifelong Smithfield resident, Mr. Leach was a machinist general foreman for General Dynamics, Electric Boat Corp., for 36 years retiring in 1989. A Navy veteran of WWII he piloted a landing craft during the D-Day invasion of Normandy. He served in the African, European and Pacific Theaters of Operation including the invasion of Okinawa.

Widely known for his community involvement, he was a member and President of the Greenville Volunteer Fire Co., Greenville Baptist Church, Greenville Grange 37 and received their Community Service Award. He received the Smithfield Magazine Citizen of the Year Award, was a member of the Smithfield VFW Post 2929 and was one of the founders of the VFW Memorial at Deerfield Park. He was inducted into the Smithfield Heritage Hall of Fame in 1999 and a was a committee member, a Boy Scout leader, a member of Friends of Smithfield Cemeteries and placed flags on the graves of deceased firefighters for Memorial Day.

Mr. Leach passed away in 2010 at the age of 86.

Sergeant Norman G. Vezina - On a freezing cold day in December of 1968, Patrolman Norman G. Vezina of the Smithfield Police Department gave his life in the line of duty while attempting to rescue five year-old Kenneth Firby who had fallen through the ice and into the frigid water of the Spragueville Reservoir.  Patrolman Vezina had arrived on the scene before the firefighters and rescue squad and, without hesitation, plunged into the icy water and reached the boy. Tragically, both Patrolman Vezina and Kenneth Firby disappeared beneath the surface before firefighters could rig a line to reach them.

Norman Vezina was promoted posthumously to the rank of Sergeant. He was 38 years-old when he died, the newest member of the Smithfield Police Department. He had been a police officer for only eight months.

Sergeant Vezina unselfishly gave his life while in the performance of his duty, and he died upholding the highest traditions of the Smithfield Police Department.  You can read more about Sgt. Vezina on the Smithfield Police Department web site here.
 

1997 

	Henry Prescott Shepard
	Margaret Crepeau
	Phyllis L. Sasso
	Dorothy Whipple Burgess
	Lucius Whipple

1995 

 

Ralph Catuogno is a person who is better known for what he does for the community than what he did in his day job.  Born in Providence, he attended Central High School and earned honors in three sports:  basketball, football and baseball. He attended Holy Cross and again was a star athlete and scholar.  He was  a chemist for 33 years for Ciba-Geigy and was instrumental in the development of pharmaceuticals for heart ailments, kidney problems and hypertension.  At the same time, Ralph found time to be one of the premier basketball officials in the east.  He refereed games in Madison Square Garden, the big ECAC games, Helped coach high school football, refereed high school  boys and girls games, conducted clinics for young officials, donated years to officiating scrimmages at Providence College and Brown University.  He became the official timer for basketball for Providence College, Brown University and Bryant College for more than twenty years.  After doing all that, he still found time to: Start and run the girls high school summer basketball league for no money (25 years), volunteer for Elks Hoop Shoot , be an active member of the booster club, every year be volunteer at the high school science fair, help charity drives, been the volunteer commissioner of the RI Board of Officials for the past 20 yrs.  He was honored in 2006 by the International Association of Basketball Officials for his 50 years of dedicated service to high school athletes and young officials. The "Ralph Catuogno Scholarship Fund" has been established in his name and in 2004 he was inducted into the Rhode Island Interscholastic League’s Hall of Fame. Ralph has been honored by the late Frank Laning in his drawings in the Providence Journal , the Buster Iannotti  Memorial award ,  the school department named  the McCabe School basketball courts "The Ralph Catuogno Courts" after Ralph as well.  A family man first and friend to many, he has been a volunteer for too many events to mention.  In summary, Ralph has brought credit to himself, his family his community and to his fellow man.  He believes that the youth of Smithfield are very important to the future of Smithfield as well as the future of our country. Ralph's motto: "Give something back to the kids."
	Mrs. Marjorie Jaswell
	Mr. Anthony Esposito
	Mr. Louis DiNoble
	Ronald “Scotty” Patterson
	Dr. Irving S. Cook
	Mr. Vincent J. Gallagher