Frank Smith

Frank Smith 75, of Waverly, NY passed away on Friday, January 2, 2026, at the Robert Packer Hospital following his courageous battle with cancer. He was born on September 16, 1950 in Waverly NY, the son of the late Frank and Jeanie (Strope) Smith.

Frank was a graduate of Tioga Central High School, class of 1969, where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. Frank was an integral part of the back-to-back, 1968 (class C) and 1969 (Class B), Section 4 basketball championships.

After graduation he was employed by Nichols Agway for 30 years and, after its closing, worked for Leprino Foods until his retirement in 2012. He met Linda Lattari in 1975, at which time Linda encouraged him to pursue golf as a hobby. He and Linda married in 1977. Frank was very passionate about his game and continued to golf at Shepard Hills Country Club and eventually spending winters in Myrtle Beach, S.C. (the Golf Capital of the United States). He was an avid baseball fan supporting the New York Yankees, and an avid UNC Tarheels basketball fan. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially traveling and playing cards with his wife, brother Bernie and sister-in-law Debbie.

In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his sisters Vickie Smith and Vivian Horton.

Frank is survived by his beloved wife of 48 years, son and daughter-in-law, Jon and Chelsea Lattari of Syracuse, NY, daughter Michelle Cross of Ithaca NY grandchildren, Bryant, Alexis, Caleb and Jackson, great grandchild Roman, brothers and sisters-in-law Bernie and Debbie Smith and Ed and Kelly Smith, his aunt Phyllis Drew, niece Shelly (Randy) Simmons, nephew Michael (Lisa) Horton, niece Angela (Chris) Engelbert, special nieces and nephews Tara (Brian) Sotolongo, Andrew and Stephanie Smith, special great nieces and nephew, Audrey, Nora, Ethan and Lucy, and many other great nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends Bernadette and John Franco of Waxhaw NC.

A time of visitation will be held on Sunday, January 11, 2026 from 1pm-3 pm at the Lowery-Urban Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 225 S. Main St., Athens, PA. A celebration of life will be at the funeral home at 3pm with pastor Tim Butcher officiating.

Memorial contributions may be made in Franks name to The Athens Wesleyan Church Building Fund, 3903 Wilawana Road, Sayre, Pa.

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