Obituaries

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Smith, 86, of Shamokin, PA, went home to be with his Lord and Savior surrounded by his family on Tuesday, January 10, 2023, at his residence. He was born October 24, 1936, in Darby, PA; the son of the late Chester and Eleanor Rock Smith.

Frank graduated from Eddystone High School.

He served his country with honor in the United States Army.

Frank was married to his devoted wife of 43 years; Joyce E. Titus Smith. They were married May 25, 1979.

He was employed by Sartomer Company for 46 years from where he retired and worked at Knoebel's for 14 years driving Old Smokey and operating the teacups among other rides.

Frank was a Deacon for around 20 years at Stonington Baptist Church and very active with other programs in the church, like Awana and choir. He started the Unifidelis as well. Frank was a member of First Baptist Church of Ogden for many years before he moved to Shamokin. He was in the Chi Alumni Band and paraded at Disney World, the Olympics in Atlanta, and the Miss America Pageant.

Frank loved children and had a way of making some kids believe he was Santa Claus, (he had the white beard and all). He even dressed up like Santa at Christmas time to surprise his grandchildren, as well as for other children. Frank and Joyce used to set up a train at the Columbia Mall for the children. He loved his train collection, enjoyed running them for anyone that wanted to see them, but especially his grandchildren. Joyce loved making and setting up a lot of the tiny villages and scenery. They enjoyed their time together. Frank will be missed by all who knew him. WE LOVE YOU, POPS!

In addition to his wife; he is survived by one daughter; Wendy L. Smith-Sterling and her husband, Don of Folsom, PA and three sons; Franklin C. Smith and his wife, Alice of Lake Wales, Florida; Frederick J. Smith and his wife, Amy of Aston, PA; and Ronald C. Smith and his wife, Eva of Pequea, PA and one adopted daughter; Tiffany Anwell and her husband, David of Greenville, SC. Frank is also survived by nineteen grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren. He is also survived by one stepbrother; Bobby Nussbaum and his wife, Virginia of Vero Beach, Florida.

In addition to his parents; Frank was preceded in death by two brothers and his first wife; Edith Mae Long Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Franklin’s Life to be held on Monday, January 16, 2023, at 11:00am at Stonington Baptist Church, 2113 Hosta Road, Paxinos, PA 17860 with the Reverend Brad Gray officiating. Friends will be received from 9:30am-10:45am at the church. Burial will be held in Northumberland Memorial Park, Sunbury, PA with Pastor Nathan Clark officiating. Military honors will be accorded by Danville American Legion Post 40 Honor Guard and the United States Army National Honor Guard.

The family will provide flowers. Memorial contributions may be made to PCC Corner of Hope, 150 South Market Street, Shamokin, PA 17872.

Arrangements are under the direction of Visneski Funeral Home, Inc 42 West Mahoning Street Danville PA 17821.