Obituary: Franklin Irving Smith Dies at 87

WALLINGFORD - Franklin Irving Smith passed away July 29, 2011 after a short illness. He was the son of the late Irving and Gladys Candee Smith and the beloved husband of 50 years to the late Emma Bennett Smith.

He was born March 18, 1924 in Naugatuck where he lived most of his life. He wintered in Port St. Lucie, Fla., and moved to Ashlar Village in Wallingford a few years ago. He graduated from Naugatuck High, attended the Engineering Institute of Hartford, the University of Connecticut, and served in the military. Frank was Plant Manager at the Timex Corporation until he retired in 1989.

Frank was a 50-year member of the Shepard-Salem Masonic Lodge #78 AF & AM, Most Wise Master of Corinthian Lodge 1974, 1975, 1976; Treasurer of all Bodies 1978-1986; Assistant Treasurer 1986-2007; and Treasurer Emeritus 2007 to present. He was initiated into the Scottish Rite in 1952. He was presented the Illustrious Arthur M. Brown, 33rd, Meriorious Service Award in 1977 - the first recipient from the Valley of Waterbury. He was coroneted a 33rd degree Mason on September 26, 1984 in Boston, Mass., and was a member of the Children's Dyslexia Center. He was a member of the Naugatuck Garden Club, American Legion, and a life member of the Naugatuck Congregational Church.

In the 1990’s Frank found a new hobby - woodcarving. He became a member of the Treasure Coast Woodcarvers in Port St. Lucie, Fla. He said "he never knew carving would be something he could master." Well, master he did. He left a legacy of beautiful carvings for all to enjoy.

Frank is predeceased by his two sisters, Isabel Smith Hayden and Marjorie Smith O’Neill. He is survived by many nieces, nephews, and cousins who will miss him dearly. He was like a father to all of us.

Calling hours will be 5 to 8 p.m. at the Buckmiller Brothers Funeral Home, 82 Fairview Ave., Naugatuck on Friday, Aug. 5. Service will be held at the Naugatuck Congregational Church on Saturday Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. with burial at Grove Cemetery in Naugatuck following the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to: The Children’s Dyslexia Centers, Inc., 529 Highland Avenue, Waterbury, CT 06708 where Frank and Emma were members of the Founders Club.

For more information and to place online condolences please logon to: www.buckmillerbrothers.com.