Francis "Frank" Smith

Francis A. "Frank" Smith, 78, of Girard, passed away on Thursday February 20, 2014 at Beeghley Oaks in Boardman.  Frank was born December 12, 1935 in Youngstown, the son of the late Arthur and Edith Holt Smith.  Frank retired from Aeroquip ( Republic Rubber Co.) in Youngstown.  He was a member of St. Rose Church, the Butler Institute of American Art and Fellowship Riverside Gardens. Frank served on the board and was past-president of Big Brothers and Sisters of Mahoning Valley and in 1988 was named the National Big Brother being introduced by Lynn Swann of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was past-president and served on the board of the Emmanuel Community Care Center in Girard. Frank played Santa Claus for over 30 years, he took great joy in seeing the delight in children and adults eyes, especially when he arrived on the fire truck in Girard and the Coca-Cola Truck.  He leaves to cherish his memory, his wife the former, Virginia "Ginger" Rice, whom he married August 13, 1977, his children Kim (Ed) Kossick of Cortland, Mark (Karen) Smith of Felixstowe, England and Scott (Marlene) Smith of Sewickley, Pa., grandchildren Jennifer (Adam) Grove, Edward (Kelly) Kossick, Rebecca (Justin) Beeman, Amy Smith, Dylan Smith, Abbey Smith and Emma Smith, great-grandchildren Quinn and Verity, sisters Florence Williams of Albuquerque, New Mexico and Helen Baucher of Lancaster, Ohio, brother Earl Smith of Austintown and many neices and nephews.  In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his brother Bill & Harry Smith.  A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, February 22nd, 11:00 AM at St. Rose Church, officiated by Msgr. John Zuraw.  The family will receive relatives and friends on Friday from 5-8PM at Blackstone Funeral Home. The family requests in lieu of flowers material contributions can be made to the Emmanuel Community Care Center or St. Rose Preservation Fund in Frank's memory.  The family would like to thank the staff at Beeghly Oaks for the care and comfort they gave Frank during his brief stay.  Visit www.blackstonesfuneralhome.com to view this obituary and to send condolences to the Smith Family.