WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass. — Coach Francis Joseph “Mickey” Smith, 98, of 15 Haley St., Williamstown, died at Berkshire Medical Center on Saturday, October 20, 2018.  

Born in North Bergen, N.J., on March 6, 1920, he was the son of John F. Smith and Catherine (O’Hara) Smith. The family moved to Williamstown in 1924. He graduated from the former Williamstown High School in 1938, where he played and captained the football, basketball and baseball teams. At graduation he was honored for having not been absent or tardy throughout his 12 years in school.

He received both his bachelor and master’s degrees from Springfield College, for which he also played baseball, captaining in his senior year.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps July 2, 1942, completed Officer’s Candidate School and became Special Service officer of Headquarters 5th Bomber Command of the 5th Air Force. He participated in the Southwest Pacific campaign from Australia to Japan. He was discharged December 25, 1945, with the rank of 1st lieutenant and was awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Service medal with one Bronze Star and seven battles and campaigns – New Guinea, Southern Philippines, Luzon, Western Pacific, China, Tyukyus, and Bismark Archipelago.

Upon his discharge from the service he returned to Springfield College to complete his education. He returned to the former Williamstown High School in 1947 to teach Science and coach the football, basketball and baseball teams for the next 10 years. He then accepted a position in the newly established Glenn Rock (N.J.) High School as a Biology teacher and head coach of football. He retired in 1982 and returned to Williamstown. He was a long time member of the Lions Club and The Williamstown American Legion.

He was among the first inductees into the Glen Rock High School’s Athletic Hall of Fame along with his 1960 undefeated football team.  

Upon retiring, he and his wife bought a pop-up trailer and traveled and enjoyed the wonders of every state, including Alaska. They especially enjoyed the wonders of the National Parks.

His first wife, the former Constance Louise Beverly, whom he married December 26, 1945, died too young on October 24, 1969. His second wife, the former Marion Jeannette Thompson, whom he married January 7, 1978, died October 18, 1994.

His only daughter, Beverly Ann Smith Fortini, died May 4, 1993, also too young. His only son, Craig Richard Smith, died April 30, 2017.

He was predeceased by his parents, John F. Smith and Catherine O’Hara Smith; his sisters Mary Burke and Rose Welch; his brother John T. Smith; brothers-in-law Nelson Beverly and Leon Beverly; and sister-in-law Marion Beverly.

His is survived by his stepdaughter Barbara Booth; stepsons Douglas and James Booth; his son-in-law Joseph (Kazia) Fortini; sister-in-law Loretta Smith; nephews Thomas (Nancy) Smith and William (Esther) Smith; niece Rosemary (William) Cullins; nieces and nephews Diane (Richard) Shultz, Dale (Bonnie) Beverly, Judy (John) Creeron, Glenn (Mary) Beverly, and Chris (Albert Pulvar) Beverly; sister-in-law Dorothy Beverly; nephew Bruce (Marilyn) Beverly; nieces Nancy Beverly and Marcia (Kumar Gursahaney) Beverly; and many other cousins.  

Funeral notice: As per his request, there will be no calling hours because his body will be cremated.  Military honors and interment will be held at 10 a.m. November 10, 2018, at the Smith Plot of Eastlawn Cemetery, Williamstown, Mass.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to the Nature Conservancy, the Williamstown American Legion, or to a charity of the donor’s choice in care of Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, Central Chapel, 74 Marshall St., North Adams, MA 01247.