Former North Smithfield Town Clerk Gregory D. McPherson Dies at 74

Thursday, February 16, 2023

Holt Funeral Home

Gregory D. McPherson, 74, of North Smithfield, passed away on February 9, 2023, surrounded by his loved ones. He was the husband of the late Christine "Cricket" (Hourigan) McPherson. Born in Flint, MI, he was the son of the late Ivan and Rosemarie (Charno) McPherson.

Mr. McPherson earned a Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University and began working as a police officer in Arlington, VA. Upon moving to Rhode Island, he served as Town Clerk for North Smithfield, and then worked for US Army Soldiers System Center in Natick, retiring in 2008. Gregory was an avid reader, enjoying science fiction and US History, and a fantastic storyteller, sharing stories with his children and grandchildren. He was a talented maker, crafting wooden keepsakes for those he loved. He was a longstanding member of the Wallum Lake Rod and Gun Club where he taught his children to target shoot and enjoyed fishing with his children and grandson.

He is survived by his daughters, Kathleen McPherson and her husband, Keith Barrette, of Glocester, Maureen McPherson of North Smithfield, and Margaret (McPherson) Gallo and her husband, Joshua, of Cumberland; a daughter-in-law, Stephanie McPherson of North Attleborough; two sisters, Judith Swanson of Dublin, OH, and Kimberlee Grisham of Leland, NC; and three grandchildren, Connor McPherson, and Maeve and Lillian Gallo. He was the father of the late Patrick McPherson.

His funeral will be held Saturday, February 18, 2023, beginning with visitation at 11 am followed by a service at 1 pm in the Holt Funeral Home, 510 South Main St., Woonsocket. Burial will be private. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the McPherson Grandkids Scholarship Fund, care of Maureen McPherson, 104 Old Great Road, North Smithfield, RI 02896.

Curtis J. Holt’s Sons was established in 1930 by Wallace S. Holt. A storefront operation in the North End soon shifted to the family’s home on Rockland Avenue. It was then that the longtime partnership with his brother, Randolph C. Holt had developed. In 1935, a third brother, Howard M. Holt, joined them. In 1943, the present location was purchased. It is the original Victorian mansion of Frederick Harris, of the Harris and Mowry Department Store. Dedicated to serving their community, the primarily protestant firm grew stronger and more firmly embedded in the city’s landscape.

In 1956, Wallace’s son, Howard R. Holt, entered the family business and helped to develop the reputation it still enjoys today. Facing the challenges of social and industrial growth in the area, Howard devoted over 45 years to creating the standards of excellence that transcended the social barriers and elevated the firm to the unique position of leading ecumenical funeral home of Woonsocket.

In 1987, Cynthia Noble joined the firm as an associate and in 1992 purchased the business from the Holt Family. Today, as an independent, owner-operated firm, it appears the transition was seamless.

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Former North Smithfield Town Clerk Gregory D. McPherson Dies at 74

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