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Frank Smith Obituary
Frank was married to Gayle Smith, who predeceased him. He is survived by his children, Kevin (Christie), Joy (Richard), and Kim (Bill); his beloved grandchildren, Joy, Grace, Greyson, and Koa; and his sister, Sarah.
An alumnus of 4-H, Whitehaven High School and Yale University, which he attended on a full scholarship, Frank said Yale transformed "a provincial kid into a cosmopolitan person." He earned his EdD from Teachers College, Columbia University, where he served as a professor for decades.
A lifelong educator and leader, Frank devoted his career to improving public education. He served the Ridgewood public schools as Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction and later as President of the School Board. He was passionate about cultivating student inquiry and engagement. At Teachers College, he helped shape generations of educators, including by founding the first cohort-based EdD program for practicing administrators (INQUIRY), and as a devoted mentor throughout his life. He also taught at St. John's University and led the New York City Division of High Schools, where he established a "house" program to foster greater student belonging in large comprehensive schools, and worked internationally in Nigeria, Chile, and the Philippines.
Friends know of Frank's quirky irreverence - he loved both classical art and folk crafts (including quilting), gardening (as a member of the Napa Valley Master Gardeners), opera, and good food - especially barbecue for which he was known to travel great distances. His intellectual curiosity, dedication to fair opportunity, and commitment to family and community building leave a legacy of thoughtful leadership, lifelong learning, and strong relationships. He will be greatly missed.
A celebration of life will be held March 15, 2026. For information: [email protected]. Frank L. Smith
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Frank Smith
Sponsored by Tulocay Cemetery Funeral Home & Crematory.
1 Entry
Michael Mitchell
January 22, 2026
Frank and Gayle were our nextdoor neighbors when we lived on David Drive in Napa. Nicer neighbors no one could ever ask for. The day they moved in we asked where they had moved from. Frank said, probably a place you've never heard of...Ridgewood, New Jersey. Carol and I looked at each other and laughed because that was one of the cities she had grown up in and had been a student at the very school where Frank had been principal! Frank loved growing and eating tomatoes...so much his dentist told him he had to cut back because the acid was destroying the enamel on his teeth. I don't know if Frank took this advice to heart or not, but Carol and I certainly pray that heaven is loaded with juicy tomatoes for his dining pleasure! Condolences to all the family. Mike and Carol Mitchell
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