Franklin C. Smith Jr.

Age 67, of Cambridge, MA, died at the Boston Medical Center, on May 19, 2008, following a lengthy and courageous battle with lymphoma. Franklin was born October 14, 1940 in Joliet, IL to the late Franklin C. and Marjorie A. Smith. He graduated from Nativity Grade School, St. Thomas Academy, and St. Thomas College (now the University of St. Thomas), all in St. Paul, MN. In 1967, Franklin earned a Ph.D. in Theoretical Physics from the University of Notre Dame, following which he did post-doctoral work at the University of Florida and later, at MIT. In 1972, Franklin accepted a position in systems administration at MIT, which marked the beginning of a 34-year career in the area at MIT. In 1973, he married Hope L. Hibbard in the MIT chapel, following which the two established their household in Cambridge. Franklin is survived by his sister Monica (Harry) Pincus, New York, NY; his brothers Michael (Ann), Columbus OH; Jerome, Cincinnati OH and Stephen, Brooklyn Park, MN. He is further survived by nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Hope. A memorial service for Franklin C. Smith, Jr. will be held from 4:00 - 5:30 PM on Tuesday, June 24 in the MIT Chapel, which is located at 44 Mass. Avenue on the MIT campus in Cambridge, MA. A reception will follow in the nearby main dining room from 5:30 - 7:00 PM. Franklin will be buried with his parents in Resurrection Cemetery in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. A private graveside ceremony is planned for mid-September 2008.