Francis E. Smith ’38

Francis E. Smith died June 5, 2008, in Darien, Conn.

Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., he attended The Hill School in Pottstown, Pa., graduating with honors in 1934. Several of Frank’s classmates from The Hill joined our Princeton class that fall.

Frank and Alexandra McNally were married in 1941, and for our 50th Frank wrote that his family was the primary interest in his life.  

In 1941, Frank took over the family fiber-importing business, located in New York, London, and Manila. The Smiths lived in Darien and their children attended elementary school there. In 1948, they moved to Manila to rebuild the family business, which was depleted by the Japanese occupation. Subsequent business sojourns in Africa, Ireland, Mexico, the United Kingdom, France, and other locations followed the demands of the company. After selling the business to a company in London, the Smiths retired and moved back to Darien.  

All in all, Frank had a fascinating life with a bit of relaxation, sailing, and golfing. He is survived by his widow, Sandra; a daughter, Sheridan; and a son, Michael E. ’65. Our sincere condolences go to Frank’s family.