Frank “Smitty” W. Smith Jr. 78, a long-time resident of Swanzey and Keene died on Thursday August 23, 2018 at Cheshire Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center in Keene after a brief period of declining health. He passed peacefully with his loving family near.
Frank was born the son of the late Catherine T. (Galluzzo) and Frank W. Smith Sr. on April 16, 1940 in Rockingham, VT. He was educated in Charlestown NH where he graduated from Charlestown High School class of 1958.
Soon after high school Frank enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was trained as a Military Policeman where he found his passion for law enforcement. He completed his time of service at the rank of E-4 / Specialist and was honorably discharged.
On May 4, 1963 he exchanged vows with Carolyn H Holm. They were married at St. Stanislaus church in Winchester with family and friends in attendance. The Smiths have been married for 55 years.
Frank was employed by the City of Keene as a Police Officer. He was the second handler of Keene’s first K-9 officer “Lucky”. He attained the rank of Sergeant. Smitty, as he was called by fellow officers retired from the police force in 1985 after twenty-five years of service to the community.
After police retirement Smitty accepted a position with the Keene District Court as a Bailiff. He worked until 2002 when he decided he wanted to have more time with his wife and family.
In his younger years he enjoyed snowmobiling, boating, hunting and fishing. He loved nature and animals. Frank spent many happy years vacationing with his wife on Lake Winnipesauki. He also enjoyed gathering with family and friends.
Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Carolyn H. Smith of Swanzey. His daughters, Stephanie A. Boucher and her husband Kenneth of Swanzey and Deanna M. Smith of Gilsum. His siblings; Betty A. Thompson and her husband James of Charlestown and Richard Smith and his wife Trudy of Belgrade, ME. Three grandchildren; Elaina Boucher, Cameron Boucher and Joshua Hall extended family friend, Philip Hall and the late Gretchen Hall of Franklin MA. In addition, he is survived by; cousins, nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held on Friday, August 31, 2018 from 5 to 7pm in the Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel, 44 Maple Ave. Keene NH 03431.
Burial will occur on Saturday, September 8, 2018 at 11am. In the family lot with military honors at Mountain View Cemetery, Old Homestead HWY. Rt. 32 South, Swanzey, NH. 03446.
Flowers will gladly be accepted. However, the family would prefer donations be made in memory of Frank W. Smith Jr. to: Alzheimer’s Association, 255 N. Michigan Ave. Flr. 17, Chicago, IL. 60601 or to: Swanzey Rescue, C/O Swanzey Town Hall, P.O. Box 1009, Swanzey, NH. 03446. All services are under the care of Cheshire Family Funeral Chapel and Crematories, 44 Maple Ave. Keene, NH. 03446. WWW.cheshirefamilyfh.com
