Francis J. Smith

1923 - 2021

Francis J. Smith, age 97, of Bedford, NH, died on February 1st, 2021. He had passed at Hanover Hill Healthcare Center, where he had been residing for the past year. He was born in Manchester, New Hampshire on August 7th, 1923 to George & Kathrine Smith. He attended St. Joseph's High School and graduated at the age of 17. At the time, he was too young to join the service, and his Mother would not sign for him. Instead, he went down to Hartford, Conn. to work for Colt Fire Arms assembling .50 Caliber Machine Guns.

Two years later, he came back to Manchester and enlisted in the Marines serving from 1943-1947 during World War II, stationed in the Pacific. He later enrolled in Hesser Business College graduating as President of his class. Followed then by a career at C.I.T. Finance, New Hampshire Finance, Merchants Savings Bank and then V.P. at White Mountain National Bank in North Conway, New Hampshire.

Moving to Florida in 1983 to take a position as V.P. at Largo Florida Savings Bank, he was also a member of Grace Lutheran Church in Clearwater, Florida; Furthermore, he was a member of the Lions club for over 40 years serving as the President of Clearwater, Evening Lion Club twice, and District Governor of 44H in New Hampshire from 1980 to 1981. As well, he was the first President and Founder of the Norther New Hampshire Soccer Assoc. He served as President of Lions Vision Care in Florida for several terms.

He was predeceased by his loving Wife of 38 years, Virginia R. Smith. He will be remembered as a loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Great Grandfather, Uncle, and friend and will be cherished for the kindness and compassion he shared with others.

He is survived by his three Sons, Edward Smith of Weare, New Hampshire, Hugh Smith of Bedford, New Hampshire, and Kenneth Smith of Manchester, New Hampshire. A Daughter, Margaret Smith Suarez (Husband, Luis) of Weare, New Hampshire and Gracia, Costa Rica. Two Step Sons, Ronald Day of Clearwater, Florida and Mark Day of Las Vegas, Nevada. Two Step Daughters, Linda Harper of Largo, Florida and Kathleen Murphy of Palm Harbor, Florida. A Granddaughter, Ashley Morshead (Husband, Zachary) of Goffstown, New Hampshire. A Great Granddaughter, Josephine Belle Morshead Goffstown, New Hampshire. Two grandsons, Lee Smith of Goffstown, New Hampshire and Diego Suarez (Wife, Lydia Jane) of Virginia Beach, Virginia. One Brother, Donald Erskine (Wife, Pamela) Bolder City, Nevada and one sister Jessie Demick of Worcester, Mass. He was predeceased by two Brothers, James Erskine and David Erskine, and two sisters, Hazel Smith and Mary Erskine.

Services: A memorial will be held at McHugh Funeral Home 283 Hanover St., Manchester, NH on February 12, 2021 from 10am to 12 pm. Followed by a graveside service at the family plot in Pine Grove Cemetery (GPS 482 Calef Rd.) Manchester, NH.

In Lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Honor Flight New England, PO BOX 16287 Hooksett, New Hampshire 03106. Condolences may be offered at www.mchughfuneralhome.com. The McHugh Funeral Home, 283 Hanover St. Manchester, has been entrusted with the arrangements.