Frank Odgers Smith Jr.

Frank Odgers Smith, Jr., aged 75, of New Bedford, MA, passed away on January 1, 2025. Born on October 21, 1949 in Orange, NJ. Frank was the beloved son of Frank Odgers Smith, Sr. and Mary B. (Parsons) Smith.

Frank was a 1967 graduate of Pinkerton Academy in Derry, NH, where he excelled academically. Also a gifted musician, Frank served as bass guitarist for The Telstars. The popular band played throughout New England from 1963-1969. The group’s single, Love for a Lady in Gray, enjoyed modest regional success.

Frank attended the University of New Hampshire (UNH) in Durham, where he earned both Bachelor and Master of Arts degrees. His ready wit and sense of humor won him many friends, especially among the school’s foreign students, for whom he often serving as a guide or mentor. Frank often brought visiting students home with him for holiday celebrations.

These friendships eventually led to Frank becoming fluent in Portuguese and making frequent trips to Brazil. He maintained many connections with friends in the city of Fortaleza throughout his adult life.

After earning his Master’s degree, Frank worked as a writer/editor at UNH, where he continued to offer support and friendship to students from around the world. He eventually accepted a position at the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth. For over 20 years, he served as a technical writer/communications specialist – primarily for the University’s School of Marine Science and Technology. He retired in 2015.

An avid traveler, Frank often used school breaks and vacation time to explore the world. This included an extended hitchhiking trip across parts of Canada, down through the Plains States and into the Southwest.

Frank is survived by three siblings: Sharon Zink and her son, John P. (Jack) Irving; Marilyn Smith and her husband, Chris Mantzaris; and Malcolm Smith and his wife, Helen Buttery. He is also survived by his uncle Jacques VanderHorst and partner, Edgardo Scott. He will be especially missed by his close friends, Gail Lyonnis and Rich Arena – “The Three Amigos,” as they called themselves – along with many other friends and former colleagues.

A celebration for family and friends is planned for the springtime.

Arrangements are in the care of Rock Funeral Home, 1285 Ashley Blvd., New Bedford. For online tributes visit www.rockfuneralhome.com.