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

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