SMITH, Francis Francis X. Smith, also affectionately known as "Poppy", 76, of Dallas, PA passed away Thursday, July 28th, 2022. Born in Chelsea, MA, he was the son of the late John Joseph Smith and Stella Hanlon Smith. Frank received his PhD in Chemistry at Tufts University, followed by research at the University of Virginia for 2 years. Frank and his wife then settled in PA after being employed at King's College, in Wilkes-Barre, PA, where he taught Organic Chemistry for 45 years. He was admired by faculty and students alike, and left an impression on anyone he crossed paths with. He loved to make people laugh with his dry sense of humor. Frank was a kind and gentle soul, and everyone who knew him thought he was a wonderful man. Poppy loved to travel- visiting many places, his favorite destination was Rome, Italy. He loved spending the day at Knoebels, going fishing, and attending local county festivals and fairs- anything that involved being with his loved ones made him happy. He was determined to live life to the fullest, not allowing his medical issues to get in the way. Poppy never ceased to amaze everyone, always making sure he was there for his family no matter what. Surviving are his wife of 50 years, the former Joanne Higgins; three children, Amy Lomerson (Bob) of Dallas; Benjamin Smith (Kyla) of State College; and Patricia Smith of Scranton. His pride and joy are his six granddaughters, Arielle, Sarah, Stella, Katelyn, Hazel, and Vivian. Also surviving are his siblings Janet Snyder of Evansville IN; Edward Smith of Wakefield, MA; and Patricia Vozzo of Dracut, MA. He will also be missed by his beloved friend, Patty Duke of Fort Myers, Florida. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later time.

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Published by Boston Globe from Jul. 30 to Jul. 31, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for FRANCIS SMITH

10 Entries

Katelyn lomerson

May 5, 2023

Some of my favorite memories was going fishing with my grandpa he was always so good at catching fish and I also loved going to knoebels with him we loved to watch the shows together and also loved going to Chucky Cheese together one time i did not have a lot of tickets and he gave me all of his and helped me win the big prize I love my grandpa and he loves me too he is always in my heart By Katelyn Lomerson.

Jean OBrien,

August 5, 2022

A wonderful colleague for many years. We shared many memories of Chelsea where we both spent our childhoods. He will be missed much. My sincerest condolences.

Kevin Olshefski

August 4, 2022

Very sorry for you lost if not for Dr.smith I would not gotten a B+ in organic chem. He was a good man and a great teacher

Isaac VonRue

August 4, 2022

Sorry for your loss. I taught chemistry at King's for several years with Frank before he retired. He was always in a happy and joyful mood.

Dr. Charles F. Nutaitis

August 1, 2022

To The Smith Family:

I am So Very Sorry for Your Loss.

Francis (Smitty to his students at King's College in the late 1970´s) was a Wonderful Man and an Outstanding Professor!

Smitty introduced me to Organic Chemistry in my Junior Year at Kings College. He inspired me, took me on as a research student, we published a peer-reviewed paper together (my first paper ever) in the Journal of Organic Chemistry in 1980, and he took me to the MARM Meeting that year in Philadelphia so I could orally deliver a lecture on our research results. Of course, it was based on Meldrum´s Acid, his favorite chemical at that time.

Because of Dr. Smith´s mentorship, encouragement, enthusiasm, and inspiration, I went on to earn a Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry at Dartmouth College. After that, I secured a Post-Doctoral Research Appointment at the University of Virginia, where I met and got to know Smitty´s Post-Doctoral mentor, Richard J. Sundberg (even had dinner at his house). After UVA, I secured a faculty position at Lafayette College and had a wonderful 33-year career at Lafayette as an Organic Chemistry Professor.

My entire career began with Dr. Francis X. Smith, who taught me Organic Chemistry well, then took me under his wing, and introduced me to lab research!

Thank you for everything, Dr/Professor Francis X. Smith (Smitty)!!! RIP

Dr./Professor Charles F. Nutaitis

Charles F. Nutaitis

July 31, 2022

So very sorry for your loss!

Francis (Smitty to his students in the late 1970's at King's College) was a truly Wonderful Person and a Fabulous Professor. After taking Organic Chemistry with him, I knew what I wanted to do.

My first peer-reviewed scientific research publication, in the Journal of Organic Chemistry, and my first oral presentation of our research results (at the MARM Meeting in Philadelphia, 1980) was all due to Smitty's mentorship. It was focused on Meldrum's Acid, of course.

Smitty was instrumental in my future education and life, which included earning a doctorate in Organic Chemistry from Dartmouth College and a Post-Doctoral appointment at The University of Virginia, where I met and got to know Richard J. Sundberg, Smitty's Post-Doctoral mentor (even had dinner at Richard's House). After Virginia, I enjoyed 33 wonderful years as a Professor at Lafayette College in Easton Pa.

There is no doubt in my mind that Francis (Smitty) was the spark that propelled me onto my career in Organic Chemistry.

Thank You Smitty!!!!

Dr. Charles F. Nutaitis
Professor Emeritus, Lafayette College

Catherine Augustine and Kyle Peck

July 31, 2022

Dear Smith Family,
Kyle and I send our condolences during this difficult time of grieving. We feel blessed that we were able to know Frank during his journey here on Earth. There are so many memories that we will cherish about the times we knew him. Peace!

Karen and Barry Ware

July 31, 2022

Our deepest sympathy to Joanne, Amy, Ben, Patti and their families. We were both saddened and shocked at Frank´s loss. He was a wonderful man. Thinking of you with love and sympathy.

Brian Williams

July 31, 2022

Deepest condolences to you and your family for your loss. Frank was very welcoming and kind to me when I was first hired to teach chemistry at King´s College. We taught and did research together for many years. He was a thoughtful scientist and friend. I do not recall a more patient person.

Dottie & Al Scazafabo

July 30, 2022

We are so sorry for your loss. Frank was such a nice man. He had many accomplishments. Prayers to you Joanne and your family.

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