Francis W. Smith was a prominent figure in Norwood’s history, serving as the town manager from 1942 until his resignation in 1946.

He later worked as a staff engineer for Fay Spofford & Thorndike, retiring in 1958

. In an interview with The Patriot Ledger in 1978, Mr. Smith expressed his views on the role of town managers, stating that there were two kinds: those who are intelligent and self-starters, and those who follow orders from selectmen.

During his professional life, Mr. Smith was involved in various industries, including industrial engineering. He first came to Bird & Son Inc. when he settled in Norwood in 1922 and later worked under industrialist-inventor George Westinghouse at his Pittsburgh machine company. The Smiths also ran the Dutchman Farms ice cream and restaurant business in South Attleboro in the late 1930s.

Mr. Smith was a skilled politician, winning a recall election for selectman in 1938 and serving until 1940. He held various posts, including membership on the town planning commission and finance commission. He also served as treasurer of the Republican Town Committee during the Hoover administration.

Born in New Britain, Connecticut, Mr. Smith had lived in East Orleans on Cape Cod for 28 years before returning to Norwood. A graduate of Yale University with an engineering degree in 1912, he was a member of several organizations, including the Orient Masonic Lodge, the Norwood Chamber of Commerce, and the Rotary Club.

Mr. Smith is survived by his wife, Irene (Colgan) Smith; daughter Nattie Lydon Callahan; grandchildren; and great-grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at the May Funeral Home on Nichols Street, with burial in Highland Cemetery.

Archival Note: This article has been dynamically reconstructed from the original public record print archives of the Patriot Ledger

More In Memoriam Stories

In Memoriam: Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. (1947 – July 25, 2026)

Opening Tribute The Norwood community joins the Hughes family in mourning the unexpected passing of Walter J. “Wally” Hughes Jr. on July 25, 2026, at the age of 79. For four decades, Mr. Hughes was a fixture within the halls of Norwood High School, leaving an indelible mark as an educator, counselor, and department leader.…
In Memoriam: Principal John P. Piccirilli

Principal John P. Piccirilli guided Norwood High School through decades of academic, cultural, and structural change. His steady leadership, compassion, and commitment to students shaped the lives of thousands. We honor his remarkable legacy and service to the Norwood community.
In Memory of Timothy J. McDonough (February 21, 1965 – March 12, 2026)

A Life of Service, Community, and Unwavering Norwood Pride On March 12, 2026, the Town of Norwood lost one of its most dedicated public servants and most beloved neighbors with the passing of Timothy J. McDonough, who died peacefully at home surrounded by his son Patrick, future daughter‑in‑law Melissa, and his loyal companion Bailey. Tim…
In Memoriam-John J. Carroll

John J. Carroll 1928-2023 Born to Irish immigrant parents in Boston, John J. Carroll graduated with a civil engineering degree from Northeastern University in 1950. After serving in the United States Army from 1950-1952, he went to work for the town of Lexington as a civil engineer. In 1958, he became Superintendent of Public Works…
In Memoriam-James R. Savage

James R. Savage Sr. retired Superintendent of the Norwood Public Schools, died Oct. 25, at Faulkner Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston. He was 84. He was the beloved husband of Catherine “Kay” (Jennings), treasured father of James Savage, Jr. of Hunt Valley, MD, Steve Savage, Dr. Mary Savage Brown, Cathy Savage-Eysie and father in…
Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, Former Selectman and Longtime Norwood Merchant-August 8, 1992

Daniel E. Callahan Jr., 82, a lifelong Norwood resident, former town selectman, and staple of the local business community who operated Callahan’s Furniture for half a century, passed away Thursday at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.
Norwood Mourns and Honors Beloved Coach and Sportswriter Frank Wall-August 10, 1991

Norwood mourned the loss of legendary Little League coach and sportswriter Frank “Sails” Wall, who passed away at age 62 after dedicating 38 years to local youth sports.
Obituary: Irma U. Diggs, Longtime Norwood Educator, Community Leader, and Athlete-July 23, 1990

Community members in Norwood and Sharon are mourning the loss of Irma U. Diggs, a dedicated kindergarten teacher, Tufts athlete, and civic leader who passed away at age 75.
400 Gather to Mourn Slain Norwood Teen-June 15, 1990

A community gathers in grief as family, friends, and classmates from Norwood High School mourn a friendly teenager with dreams of Howard University.
In Memoriam: Clement A. Riley (1905–1988)

Norwood honors the life of Clement A. Riley, a towering figure in local government and state public safety whose decades of service left a lasting civic legacy.