John Anthony Smith-Starchild, 57, passed away on Thursday, July 20, 2017. He was a loving father and brother. Born August 9, 1959, John grew up Pawtucket, RI, the son of the late Violet (Viola) Evelyn Smith.

John resided in Glens Falls, NY where he lived with his best friend and grandmother to his children, Ruth Beckwith; and with whom he loved to sit, talk, and watch his favorite TV shows. His life passion was working as a groomsman on the race tracks in Belmont and Saratoga, NY. John was a free spirit who had tremendous love for horse and his children, whom he would take to watch the races.

John is survived by his children, Nathanial Starchild-Jimenez of Colorado Springs, CO; Johnathan Starchild of Glens Falls, NY and their mother Beatrice Larry of Glens Falls, NY; Mercedes Starchild of Warrensburg, NY; by his wife, Nicole of Glens Falls, NY; his step-daughters Nicole Green of Glens Falls, NY; Erykah Green and grandson Sammy Massey of Queens, NY. He is also survived by four sisters, Darlene Watkins and husband John of Brandywine, MD; V. Raffini of Providence, RI, Pauline Smith of Manville, RI, and Stephanie Smith Williams of Norton, MA; four brothers, William Smith of Rochester, NH; Wayne Smith of Columbus, OH, Dana Smith and wife Kimily of Providence, RI; and Terry Smith and wife Andrea of Portsmouth, NH; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces and grandnephews.

John is predeceased by his mother Viola Smith, his brother Lawrence Smith, and Letitia Barros.

John's spirit will be missed dearly but will live on in the memories and hearts of all who knew him.

Family and friends are invited to calling hours on Monday, July 31st from 10:00am-12:00pm followed by a memorial service at 12:00pm in the Chapel of J.F. Skeffington Funeral Home, 925 Chalkstone Avenue, Providence. Burial will follow at North Burial Ground cemetery, Providence, immediately following the service.

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J F Skeffington Funeral Home
925 Chalkstone Avenue
Providence, RI 02908
401-331-3900