NORTH SMITHFIELD – A late North Smithfield native who not only served his country, but also had a 25 year career supporting others who served, will be honored next month when the Memorial Town Hall flag is raised in his honor.
The North Smithfield Heritage Association will raise the flag in honor of David McCutcheon following a brief ceremony at the building at 1 Main St. on Saturday, April 6.
Born in North Smithfield in 1947, McCutcheon graduated from Woonsocket High School in 1965. He served in the United States Navy from 1965 through 1968, first on the USS Enterprise CVA(N) in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam and later at Treasure Island, San Francisco, Cali.
McCutcheon worked at the Soldier Systems Center in Natick, Mass. for more than 25 years, an organization that works to develop and apply new technology to improve quality of life for soldiers.
“His contributions in support of the men and women who protect this great country were unlimited,” noted a bio shared by the association. “Dave was a great team member and was so talented that he was called upon by dozens of agencies and organizations to solve complex technical issues. He was well respected by his peers and leaders and was awarded numerous awards and commendation medals for his selfless service to the country.”
McCutcheon enjoyed fishing, hunting, and cooking and participated in his children’s activities by being a scoutmaster and coach, including time leading Troop 1139. He also loved spending time with his granddaughters’ prior to his death in January of this year.
He is survived by his wife of almost 17 years, Joyce (Holmes) McCutcheon, with whom shared a passion for beautiful beaches, the ocean, and the stunning greenery, lakes, and mountains of Maine, their summer home, according to his biography.
He is also survived by his daughter, Steph “Sevi” McCutcheon; his son Christopher McCutcheon; Joyce’s children, Thomas Ruo of Bridgewater, Mass., and Jennifer Upton and husband Jason Upton of Coventry; his sisters, Deborah Berdy and husband Paul Berdy of Middletown, and Susan Carlson of Mendon, Mass.; his brother, Malcolm McCutcheon and wife Diane McCutcheon of Millville, Mass.; granddaughters, Kalli McCutcheon, Caitlyn Ruo, and Emmy, Jordana and Adriana Russell; a niece and several nephews.
McCutcheon was nominated for the honor by former town resident Mark Hamel, his former friend and neighbor.
The ceremony will begin at 10 a.m. on April 6 and will include remarks by members of the late veteran’s family, as well as local dignitaries. The Memorial Town Building will be available to participants before and after the event. All are invited to attend.
Other families interested in participating in the NSHA program honoring the town’s deceased veterans are asked to email nsha@nsheritageassn.com or call (401) 651-6316.
