Timothy Joseph Smith

Some people move through life quietly, while others leave an impression on nearly everyone they meet. Timothy "Timmy" Smith, who passed away on October 28, 2026, at the age of 62, was undoubtedly the latter. Larger than life, with a heart to match, Timmy was a man of extraordinary generosity, unwavering loyalty, and boundless compassion. Whether you knew him for a lifetime or had only just met him, Timmy had a way of making you feel like an old friend.

Born on August 4, 1964, to the late John Noel and Isabel Francis (Folan) Smith, Timmy grew up surrounded by a family whose bonds remained an important part of his life. He shared an especially close connection with his twin brother, Terrence, a bond that went far beyond sharing a birthday. The two shared a lifetime of memories, laughter, and friendship, including ten special years spent working and living together part of the year on Block Island.

For many years, Timmy divided his time between Middletown, where he made his home with his beloved wife, Cathy, and Block Island, where he spent his summers running a restaurant. No matter how busy life became, Cathy was always at the center of his world. His love and devotion to her were evident in the simplest moments, including the phone calls he made as soon as he arrived on the island. Their marriage was built on a deep love, partnership, and commitment to one another, and those who knew Timmy knew just how much Cathy meant to him.

Timmy spent much of his life in the restaurant business, where his outgoing personality and natural ability to connect with people made him unforgettable. But for Timmy, feeding people was about far more than running a business. He believed that no one should go hungry or feel forgotten. He opened his doors to those in need, devoted countless hours to preparing holiday meals, and spent Thanksgiving and Christmas making sure others had something to celebrate. For ten years, his Thanksgiving efforts touched people throughout Newport. Giving wasn't something Timmy did for recognition; it was simply who he was.

That same compassion extended to animals, particularly those who had no one else to advocate for them. Together, Timmy and Cathy helped thousands of rescue animals through Save a Lab Rescue. Timmy willingly fostered hundreds of dogs in need, never hesitating to go out of his way to give an animal another chance. His kindness knew no boundaries, and his willingness to help was seemingly endless.

A jack of all trades, Timmy was the person people called when something needed to be done, knowing he would find a way to help. He was dependable, hardworking, and fiercely loyal. His friendships were not measured in years but in decades, and many of his closest friends were the same people he had grown up alongside. Their annual reunions in Newport were a treasured tradition. In a particularly meaningful turn of events, Timmy was able to spend his final weeks surrounded by many of those lifelong friends, whose presence brought comfort not only to him but also to Cathy and his family.

Timmy's faith was an important part of his life, reflected in the compassion and generosity he showed others. He believed in helping those less fortunate, standing by the people he loved, and doing what he could to make the world a little kinder. Even in death, his generosity continued through his decision to be an organ donor, offering others the possibility of life and hope. It was one final act of giving from a man who had spent his life doing just that.

Above all, Timmy loved his family. In addition to his devoted wife, Cathy, he leaves behind his siblings, Mary Claire Mello and her husband, Manuel Mello; Sean Noel Smith and his wife, Sara; Patricia Anne Brett and her husband Jon; his twin brother, Terrence Robert Smith and his wife, Patty; and Colleen Mary Larson and her husband, Paul. He also leaves behind his nieces and nephews, Jonathan, Brady, Kate, Aidan, Emma, Isabelle, Elizabeth, and Stacey. He was predeceased by his nephew, Scott Mello.

Timmy was also a cherished member of Cathy's family, including her sister, Kerrie Reardon and her husband, Dave; her step-mom, Jacquie Murphy; her brothers, Denis Vaughan and his wife, Bridget, and Michael; and her late brother, Jonathan.

Among those who will miss Timmy most are his four beloved dogs, Lizzie, Ducky, Nuru, Tusker, and three cats, Frankie, Tony, and Sam. They were not simply pets, but treasured members of his family, each holding a special place in his enormous heart. For a man who devoted so much of his life to rescuing animals, there was no greater joy than the love and companionship of his own dogs. They were his family in every sense of the word.

Timmy's life was not defined by the years he lived, but by the countless lives he touched along the way. He gave freely of his time, his talents, and his heart, never expecting anything in return. He leaves behind a lifetime of stories, enduring friendships, rescued animals given a second chance, and a family who will forever treasure the love he shared so generously.

Though his absence will be deeply felt, the best parts of Timmy will live on in the kindness he inspired, the friendships he nurtured, and the people and animals whose lives are better because he was part of them.

Calling hours will be held on Sunday, November 1, 2026, from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home, 375 Broadway, Newport.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Monday, November 2, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. at St. Barnabas Church, 1697 East Main Road, Portsmouth. Burial will follow at St. Columba Catholic Cemetery, 465 Brown's Lane, Middletown.

In lieu of flowers and to honor of Timmy's lifelong compassion for animals, memorial donations may be made to Save a Lab Rescue, www.savealabrescue.org