Frank H. Smith Service Information

Frank Haffenden Smith was born in Jamaica Queens, N.Y. on August 21,1963. He was the fifth and last child of the late James W. Smith and the late Gloria B. Smith, thus affectionately and lovingly referred to by his grandmother as the baby of the family. He began his primary schooling at P.S. 118 then moved on to Junior High School 109 and was a graduate of Benjamin Cardozo High School. Frank was a very curious student, made friends easily and made good grades. Frank then moved on to St. John’s University where he excelled in his studies earning a BA in Communications with the Class of 1985. While at St. John's, the men’s basketball team was very successful with the likes of future NBA greats Chris Mullen and Mark Jackson. Interestingly enough, Frank was Mark Jackson’s math tutor.

Frank’s initial love was broadcast journalism and his brothers James and Carl would kid him that he was going to be the next Bryant Gumbel. In time, Frank's focus changed to the world of insurance. Beginning as a claims examiner with Liberty Mutual, then moving to Kemper Insurance, Frank quickly climbed the ranks in the insurance world highlighted by a senior executive position with XL Insurance Services and further consulting roles. His easy demeanor and sharp intellect brought him friends and colleagues near and far.

Frank was a loving father and an exceptional human being. He had a very close relationship with his wife Debra and son Alexander. He was frequently in their lives and worked incredibly hard so that they could avoid life’s hardships. He continuously went out of his way to selflessly endure tremendous sacrifice for the advancement and future of his family. Frank was one of the most kind hearted and stoic individuals somebody could encounter. Life’s turmoil’s did not phase Frank, as he continued to progress to ensure that his family was taken care of. His benevolence and dedication extended beyond his family as he frequently gave back to the community as his vision was to establish a better world for everybody.

Frank is survived by his son Alexander C. Smith, JD, LLM. His wife Debra A. Smith predeceased him in early January of this year. His extended family includes brother, James B. Smith Sr., and sister-in-law the late Margo Smith of Queens, NY. Brother, Carl H. Smith and sister-in-law, Gail Samuels Smith of Atlanta, GA, Sisters Suzanne Halsey of Orlando FL, Melissa Stockdale of San Diego, CA, Elizabeth Smith Deu of Brooklyn, NY and Jacqueline Smith of NYC, NY. Nephews James B.Smith Jr. of Queens, NY and James C. Smith of Long Island NY. Nieces, Renita Halsey of Orlando, FL., the late Melinda Smith of Birmingham, AL. Lauren and Kristen Smith of NYC, NY, and Daniela and Isa Deu of Brooklyn, NY, as well as several grand nieces and nephews.

Frank was a true gentleman, family man and a lover of all things sports, especially his beloved Jets, Knicks and Yankees. He will be truly missed by all.

May God keep him and may he rest in the everlasting arms of our Lord!

Crossing the Bar

Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaningof the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as movingseems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from outthe boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness offarewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourneof Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face toface
When I have crost the bar.
ALFRED, LORD TENNYSON

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