Henry "Rico" Smachetti

Henry “Rico” Joseph Smachetti, 92, passed away peacefully on February 18, 2026, with his loving family by his side. Rico was born on April 3, 1933, to Frederick and Rosa Smachetti.

Rico attended Lee High School, graduating with his class in 1951. After high school he enlisted in the US Army defending his country serving in the Korean War. He then completed some college at Bryant University. After school he was employed by Lee Lime Corporation. Rico was approached by a friend about joining the Police Department and off to the academy he went later becoming employed by the Lee Police Department where he proudly served his community for 30 plus years until his retirement in 1995. After his retirement Rico was employed by Dufour Bus Company driving school bus for 20 more years. The kids on Rico’s route always got home the quickest.

Rico had many hobbies including hunting, fishing golfing, pretty much anything that kept him outdoors. He also had a passion for gardening. Rico loved to take road trips, some of his favorite destinations were Maine and Vermont. Above all, Rico cherished time spent with his family, they were his ultimate pride and joy.

Rico’s larger than life personality lit every space he occupied. His infectious spirit and great generosity exuded on the people he encountered. Rico’s knack for telling stories and above all stirring the pot would leave people in stitches or scratching their heads. Rico had no filter and wore his heart on his sleeve. He was the perfect person for community policing. Many people were “saved” in various forms of the word due to his tremendous heart. Rico’s legacy will live on through countless stories and spreading kindness when people need it most.

Rico leaves behind his beloved family members including his children Thomas Smachetti, stepchildren Michael and Christopher Lyng and his daughter Jessica Jill Tisdale (Stephen). His cherished grandchildren, TJ, Cami, Jared, Tucker, Nora and his great grandchildren Raelynn, Henry, Cayden, and Charlotte and many nieces and nephews all whom he adored. In addition, he leaves behind his devoted companion for many years, Jean Killackey. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his four siblings Frederick Smachetti (Elizabeth), Ann Tarmey (Richard), Julia Duffy (James), and Norma Walker (David). Also, wives Joan Hayes Smachetti and Cynthia Smachetti.

We would also like to thank the people of Craneville Place of Dalton for their outstanding and dignified care they provided Rico and his family in this most difficult time.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026, at 10AM at St. Mary’s Church in Lee.  Burial will follow in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers we would request donation be made to Craneville Place in c/o The Kelly Funeral Home   3 Main Street   Lee, MA   01238.