Frank Smith

Frank L. Smith, Jr., age 83, U.S. Air Force Veteran, loving father of Brian Smith, Leslie (Gregory) Demirdjian, and Amanda (Christopher) McMahon. Cherished grandfather of Mitchell and Delaney Smith; Max Pecharich and Henry Demirdjian; and Millie, Mollie, and Lucie McMahon. Dear brother of the late Patricia McHugh. Beloved uncle of many adored nieces and nephews. Friend and former husband of Judy Smith. Preceded in death by his parents Frank Sr. and Mary Martin.

On Monday, September 5, 2022, Frank Smith, loving father, grandfather, and all-around wonderful guy, passed away peacefully at age 83 while surrounded by his three proud children after a long, courageous battle with cancer.

Frank was born on February 10, 1939 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Mary (Lettiere) Smith. He grew up on the Southside, attending various grammar schools before entering Harper High School. Frank was a proud Cardinal, graduating in the Class of 1958. Throughout his life, he volunteered on numerous reunion committees (serving twice as Master of Ceremonies) and always looked forward to the annual Harper High School Picnic.

After high school, Frank attend Wilson Junior College and received his Associates Degree. Soon to follow, he was inspired to serve his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. Frank achieved the rank of Airman 1st Class in the USAF while serving from 1959 to 1963. He was awarded the 'Good Conduct Medal' at the conclusion of his service. He was first stationed at Rushmore Air Force Station and Ellsworth Air Forcebase in South Dakota. During his next assignment in Taipei, Taiwan, Frank was a Contracting Officer Representative & Auto Repairman at Taiwan Motors. While stationed there, he also was one of the few Americans to enroll in flight school at the China Flying Club. This experience would influence the rest of his life, his fondness for Chinese culture, and his love of the Mandarin language.

Frank would go on to marry Judith K. Ridderhoff in 1964, beginning their life together in Chicago and then settling in for many wonderful years in Oak Forest, IL. They lovingly welcomed three children; Brian James in July of 1965, Leslie Frances in March of 1970, and Amanda Jean in November of 1972.

Frank was Co-Owner of RAM Heating - Cooling & Refrigeration with partner and best friend Gerald Despaltro for many dedicated years. Their partnership, technical talent, and integrity was valued throughout the Chicagoland area.

Frank was an active public servant and volunteer in the city of Oak Forest, IL. where he lived from 1972 until his passing. He served several years on the Oak Forest Park District Advisory Board, as Alderman of the 1st Ward from 1983 to 1999, and as Assistant Superintendent of Public Works until his retirement in 2004.

Frank was a Chicago Jitterbug Club Dancer and Board Member. He enjoyed numerous conventions and cruises all around the Midwest and South with his loving girlfriend Carol Green.

Frank will always be remembered for his endearing and sincere personality, his eagerness to be helpful in any and every way, his generous nature, optimism, and enthusiasm for life.

His sense of empathy was evident through his rescuing of various stray animals that crossed his path. His adventurous spirit showed in his passion for scuba diving, swimming (lifeguard), the outdoors, and his travels around the world.

Frank was a planner, a problem solver, perpetually punctual, and patriotic. His sharp wit and sense of humor could entertain and enhance any gathering.

Frank had an artistic soul, with a love for photography, sculpture, drawing, painting, and woodworking. Whatever his mechanical mind could envision, his capable hands could create.

In his later years, he became an avid coin-collector enjoying the thrill of the hunt.

Frank loved a well-done sausage pizza, a challenging crossword puzzle, a bowl of freshly popped buttered popcorn, a song with a good dance beat, and a heaping bowl of ice cream.

Most of all, his pride and his love for his three children and seven grandchildren was unmatched. Frank will be remembered and greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Visitation Wednesday, September 14, 2022 , from 3-8 p.m. Funeral Service Thursday, September 15, 2022 , at 10:00 a.m. at Colonial Chapel 15525 S. 73rd Ave. (155th/Wheeler Dr. & Harlem) Orland Park, IL. Interment with Military Honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL.

Below is a photo tribute celebrating Frank's life.



In lieu of flowers, memorials to Illinois Veterans' Home at Manteno, 1 Veterans Drive, Manteno, IL 60950 are appreciated.

Express your thoughts and condolences at colonialchapel.com 708-532-5400