Emmet Franklin Smith II “Frank” passed away on September 5, 2026, at the Windrose of Woburn Nursing Facility.  He was 94 years of age.

Frank was born in Boston, Massachusetts on November 12, 1931, the son of the late Ralph Smith and Lillian J. (Weiner) Hanscom.

Frank 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 with him throughout his life.

A longtime 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 both Somerville and Boston. He was a proud member of the Somerville Lions Club, the Somerville VFW, the Reading American Legion, and the 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. While he took great pride in his professional accomplishments, the greatest joys of his life were always his family, his music, and the people he loved. He shared an extraordinary 73 years of marriage with his beloved wife, Elizabeth, 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 happiness 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 across New England. The band continues to perform today, carrying on the musical legacy Frank helped create.

Over the years, 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 even more memorable through music.

Frank was the beloved husband of over 70 years of the late Elizabeth M. (Kelley) Smith.  Devoted father of Elizabeth M. Roche of Medford, Thomas M.J. Smith of Reading, Diane J. Smith of Medford, the late Emmet F. Smith III, late Barry Smith, the late Kelley M. Snell, the late Barbara J. Smith, the late John Marshall and the late Bertrand Taylor. He was the cherished brother of Patty Pages of Beverley and the late Ralph Smith and the late Ethel Delgado.  He was the loving grandfather of 22children and the great grandfather of 34 children. He was preceded in death by his two grandchildren; Mary Beth Armaiz and Liam Smith.  

A visitation will be held for Frank on Sunday September13, 2026 from 4pm-7pm at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. (corner of Woburn St.) Reading.  A funeral service celebrating Frank’s life will be held on Monday September 14, 2026, at 11am at the funeral home.  
Burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers contributions may be made in Frank’s memory to the Wounded Warrior Project PO Box 758517 Topeka KS 66675

http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org or Disabled American Veterans  www.help.dav.org (http://www.help.dav.org/)
For directions and online guestbook visit http://www.douglassfuneralhome.com