Smithfield Youth Memorial Garden

“Although we can never forget, never completely heal, and never fill the void left within us, hopefully we may use this space to provide and find with each other some peace and some solace. ”

The Smithfield Youth Memorial is the result of a grassroots effort, undertaken by the Jay Lawrence Foundation and many members of our community in partnership with the Town of Smithfield, to memorialize our young citizens whose lives were cut short through some unfortunate circumstance.

Located in the serene, westerly corner of Deerfield Park, the Memorial permanently memorializes our precious youth with meaning and theme. A place that does not necessarily reflect the sadness of a cemetery, but rather a lively place filled with meaningful stone walks, benches, unique landscaping, and personalized engraved granite pillars. It serves as a focal point where family, friends, and especially our youth, gather and remember the tragic passing of a young Smithfield resident.

The Memorial was built by B.P. Vangorden Services, Inc. and Lou Polseno And Son LLC.
Maintained by Smithfield Parks and Recreation.
Managed by the Jay Lawrence Foundation.

Located in Deerfield Park, Lisa Ann Cir, Greenville, RI 02828
Click to view gallery images

This monument is dedicated to the memory of the young lives who have been taken from us too soon, to the melancholy and anguish endured by all parents who share the unnatural woe of living through the death of a child, and to all of the family and friends who share in this sorrow. A memorial where we may come together and share our memories of those we mourn, the glory of their lives, our pain and grief, our love and occasional triumph - and a keystone on which we may occasionally ease the weight of our burden.

An exceptional note of gratitude is due to the Jay Lawrence Foundation and all of its benefactors. It is only through their overwhelming generosity that the construction and maintenance of this Memorial has been made possible.

  • The Granite Pillars along the walkway signify our strength. Their different heights depict the ebb and flow of our grief in its different forms, as well as the various lengths of the lives we have lost.

  • The Nautical Star in the Stoneway illustrates the guidance that we are able to give to and receive from each other and indicates the various histories and the many paths that have brought us to this common fate.

  • The Wishing Well Rose Bed is a place of reflection; for the fond recollection of memories and where we can return, in our minds, to a time when we were whole.

  • The Broken-Heart Stone is for our Heartache. Although we may be able to help partially mend the fractures in each others' hearts, we understand they will never heal completely.

  • Each individual Pillar represents one of our missed loved ones. These are our Personal Memorials. They represent the enduring connection to those we long for, a bond that will never perish. They are arranged in a sunburst pattern in an expression of vitality and hope.

  • The Botanical Palisade on the periphery reinforces the consolation and solace that we are here to share with each other. The lushness of the plantings honors the vibrance of the lives of our beloved youth.

In Memoriam

Christopher R. Angelo

Stefan S. Barsoian

Jason D. Bates

Kyle Bean

Kenneth Bosco

Megan N. Caron

Dawne S. Cerroni

Nicholas C. Chere

David E. Ciccone

Brandon E. Coutu

Christopher T. Croft

David L. Cunha

James Curley

Lorenzo F. Desimone

Robert A. Desmet

Robert J. Esposito, Jr.

David W. Forgue, Jr.

James V. Fair

Richard "Rickey" Graiko, Jr.

Matthew Goodwin

Kyle F. Joyce

Jay G. Lawrence

Logan Mackenzie

Dan Malo

Jeff Marchetti

William H. Martineau

Pat A. Matteo, Jr.

Darren C. Mcpeak

Matthew J. Milner

Jeffrey M. Peters

Christopher J. Reilly

Anne L. Robitaille

Justin Ruotolo

Christopher J. Shepard

David J. Votolato

Amanda Villeneuve & Annabelle Janik

Geoffrey M. Wilkes

In order to preserve and protect the integrity of this very special Memorial, it is necessary to implement some rules and regulations that we would ask all participants to uphold. They are as follows:

  1. In order to be considered for name entry into the Memorial, the youth must be 30 years of age or younger at the time of death.

  2. Must be a resident of the Town of Smithfield, Rhode Island, or have lived in the Town of Smithfield, Rhode Island for some portion of his or her life, or have immediate family members that currently reside in the Town of Smithfield, Rhode Island.

  3. In order to maintain a common theme throughout the grounds of the memorial, there will not be allowable artifacts placed on or around the Memorial. If placed, they shall be removed by the Jay Lawrence Foundation.

  4. The placing of artificial flowers, ground cover, trees, and/or permanent plantings will not be permitted.

  5. No alcoholic beverages, smoking, or illegal substances will be permitted on or near the premises.

  6. All memorial pillars, engraving, and installation must be purchased through The Jay Lawrence Foundation and paid for in advance of ordering and installation.

  7. All memorial pillars will be engraved with the full name of the youth on the front side of the pillar. First name, middle initial, and last name only. Personalization will be available on the slanted top of the pillar.

  8. Any and all gatherings at the Memorial must be accomplished in a peaceful, respectful atmosphere and be in accordance with all applicable Town Ordinances.

  9. The Board of Directors of The Jay Lawrence Foundation reserves the right to review and approve all applications.

  10. Any amendments or changes to these rules and regulations must be approved by the Smithfield Town Council.

If you have experienced the loss of a loved one and would like to purchase a Memorial, please contact Lynne & Jerry Lawrence at 401-231-0556.