November 12, 1931 – September 5, 2026
Emmet Franklin Smith II, affectionately known as “Frank,” passed away on September 5, 2026, at Windrose at Woburn. He was 94 years old.
Born in Boston, Massachusetts, on November 12, 1931, Frank was the son of the late Ralph Smith and Lillian J. (Weiner) Hanscom. He grew up in Boston’s South End and graduated from Boston Tech High School. He proudly served his country in the Army Corps of Engineers, attaining the rank of corporal. Following his military service, Frank continued his education in engineering, studying at MIT and later earning a master’s degree with high honors from Northeastern University. His dedication, intelligence, and strong work ethic were qualities he carried throughout his life.
A resident of Somerville for nearly 70 years, Frank cared deeply about the community he called home. Through his church and civic involvement, he generously gave his time and talents, advising city councils and supporting youth programs in Somerville and Boston. He was a proud member of the Somerville Lions Club, Somerville VFW, Reading American Legion, and Malden Irish American Club, where he was honored as Man of the Year.
Frank enjoyed a long and accomplished career as a professional engineer. He served as a project manager at Ganteaume & McMullen and as a design engineer for the MBTA before becoming Director of Modernization for the Somerville Housing Authority, where he remained until his retirement. Although he took great pride in his professional accomplishments, the greatest joys of his life were his family, his music, and the people he loved.
Frank shared 73 years of marriage with his beloved wife, the late Elizabeth M. (Kelley) Smith—a beautiful testament to a lifetime of love, devotion, and partnership.
Music was one of Frank’s greatest gifts and one of the ways he brought people together. A talented guitarist and singer, he loved sharing music and the joy that came with it. In 1979, Frank and his son Thomas founded Rainbow’s End, performing for many years throughout Boston, New York, Cape Cod, and New England. The band continues to perform today, carrying on the musical legacy Frank helped create. Frank also generously shared his music at senior living communities and at countless gatherings and celebrations for family, friends, and neighbors. Whether the occasion was joyful, sentimental, or simply a reason to be together, Frank had a special way of making it more memorable through music.
Frank was the devoted father of Elizabeth M. Roche of Medford, Thomas M.J. Smith of Reading, and Diane J. Smith of Medford, and the late Emmet F. Smith III, Barry Smith, Kelley M. Snell, Barbara J. Smith, John Marshall, and Bertrand Taylor. He was the cherished brother of Patty Pages of Beverly and the late Ralph Smith and Ethel Delgado. He was the loving grandfather of 22 grandchildren and great-grandfather of 34 great-grandchildren. He was also predeceased by two grandchildren, Mary Beth Armaiz and Liam Smith.
Visitation will be held on Sunday, September 13, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Douglass, Edgerley & Bessom Funeral Home, 25 Sanborn Street, at the corner of Woburn Street, Reading. A funeral service celebrating Frank’s life will be held at the funeral home on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. Burial will be private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, KS 66675, at www.woundedwarriorproject.org, or to Disabled American Veterans at www.help.dav.org.
For directions and the online guestbook, please visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com.
