Frank Cedric Smith

Frank Smith, (1924-2010) died peacefully on Oct. 12, 2010 at home in North Eastham, surrounded by his family. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y. to Cedric and Irene Smith, Frank was one of the fortunate few among us to have discovered his passion at an early age and to have had the opportunity to develop his craft to an art over many years. At the age of 8 he became a choirboy and over the next few years sang in some of the leading choirs in the New York area, and also for many summers with the Bretton Woods Boychoir in New Hampshire, later becoming its accompanist and assistant conductor. Through his teen years and after his return from army duty in the Medical Corps in WWII Frank Smith continued his studies at The Cathedral of St. John in New York with Norman Coke-Jephcott and Alec Wyton, earning a Licentiate from Trinity College in London He served as Dean and Treasurer of the New York City Chapter of The American Guild of Organists, which awarded him its ChM degree. He was also a member of the St. Wilfrid Club in New York, serving as treasurer for many years, and an active member of the Association of Anglican Musicians. After 14 years serving as Organist and Choirmaster at Grace Episcopal Church in Newark, N.J. he was appointed to the same position at historic Grace Church in New York City, a post he held for 32 years, developing a boychoir and founding a community adult chorus which performed major choral works with orchestra for many years. His performances of the Bach St. Matthew Passion drew large audiences on Good Friday evenings. In 1992 he and Dilys, his wife and musical partner of 52 years retired to their home in North Eastham, where he continued teaching and playing in many area churches. He was active in the Eastham Cultural Council and volunteered at the NOAH Shelter in Hyannis and on many committees in his parish church. Frank also leaves his son Derek and his wife Lynne of Mount Vernon, N.Y.; son Geoffrey and his wife Jayme and his beloved grandchildren Bennett and Emily, of Youngwood, Pa.; and a brother, David and his wife Eve of Pine Hill, N.Y. and many nieces and nephews. A Musical Offering and Holy Eucharist will be celebrated beginning at 2 p.m. at The Church of the Holy Spirit, Orleans on Oct. 30, to be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. Singers desiring to join the choir are invited to a rehearsal beginning at 12:30. Memorial gifts in lieu of flowers may be sent to the church.