Obituaries

Frank Gregory Smith (100) was a native of New London, Connecticut, and a resident of Newport News, Virginia, and Panama City Beach, FL. Frank graduated from Chapman Technical High School in New London, CT, in 1943. He received an associate’s degree in engineering from Mitchell College, New London, CT in 1967, a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration in 1973, and an MBA in 1978, both from the University of New Haven in West Haven, CT. After Frank retired, he continued his education through the Lifelong Learning Society of Christopher Newport University, Newport News, VA. He also enjoyed national and international educational travel with Elderhostel.

Frank enlisted in the US Navy in 1943 and served in the Pacific Campaign and the Korean conflict. Thereafter, he worked at Charles Pfizer Company (Groton, CT), General Dynamics, Electric Boat Division (Groton, CT), Boeing Aircraft (Wichita, KS), and finally, Newport News Shipbuilding, retiring in June 1990.

Frank’s lodge affiliations include the Bay View Lodge No. 120, Niantic, CT (75 years), the Lodge Council Chapter Consistory, Scottish Rite Valley of Norwich, CT; the Sphinx Temple, Newington, CT; and the Peninsula Shrine Club, Newport News.

Frank was married first to Lorelei Bowers Smith and then to Gwendolyn (Peggy) Smith, both of whom predeceased him, as did his mother, Gladys Irene Smith, and his sister, Gladys Swaenepoel. Survivors include his children, Cynthia Leigh Archer (Ron, now deceased) of Albuquerque, NM; David Stewart Smith (Tracy) of Panama City, FL; and Jennifer Allison Mathanool (George) of Groton, CT; his grand-children: Shannon Faye Archer Williams (Dan Williams), Alexander Douglas Smith, Cara Aynsley Smith (Eli Hugghins), Ethan Gabriel Mathanool, and Evangeline Muriel Mathanool; as well as his great-granddaughter, Allison Hazel Williams. In addition, Frank is survived by a nephew, Thomas E. Swaenepoel (Shriley) Thomas Swaenepoel (Shirley) of Norwich, CT, their children and grandchildren, of Norwich, CT; and the children and grandchildren of his second wife, Peggy.

Frank succeeded in life and career through his work ethic, drive to obtain higher education through night school, and work on rental houses to gain extra funds. As the 6’4″ son of a single mother growing up in the Depression, Frank often didn’t have enough to eat. He regaled us with stories of finally getting “three squares” in the Navy and always savored international cuisine. He followed the stock market intently (and successfully!) and could have given Warren Buffet a hint or two. He was a congenial guy, and we will miss him greatly.