Obituary: Francis H. Smith III, 61, of East Haven

Obituary courtesy of Keenan Funeral Home:

Francis H. Smith III, 61, of East Haven, CT, passed away, with family at his bedside, at YNHH-SRC campus on Wed. July 19, 2023, after a brief illness.
He was born on July 24, 1961 in Taipei, Taiwan to Francis and Diane (Pernal) Smith Jr. of Norwich, CT. He grew up in Norwich, graduated from Norwich Free Academy in 1979 and earned his BS in Business Administration from Bryant College in Rhode Island.

Francis spent his adult life climbing the corporate ladder for The Great A&P Tea Company (Waldbaums), ending as Director of Pharmacy. He enjoyed traveling especially to any sunny beach island with his life partner/fiancée Kathleen Joslin - often accompanied by best friends Phil and Cheryl Catania of N.Branford, CT. He loved the holidays and family gatherings and ALWAYS enjoyed a good laugh- with his famous giggle. He had an immense heart and was known for his kindness and generosity. He was a very loving man who will be missed beyond words.

Francis is survived by his fiancée Kathleen Joslin of East Haven, CT., daughter Kristin (Joslin) Pukas, husband Dave Pukas and precious grandson Zachary Pukas of New London CT, parents: Frank and Diane (Pernal) Smith Jr. of Norwich, CT., sisters: Holly (Smith) DelGiudice, husband Ken DelGiudice of Salem,CT., Colleen (Smith) Hajdasz,, husband Joel Hajdasz of Colchester, CT., and Aunt Priscilla Watson, husband Richard Watson of Southbury, CT. He held a special place in his heart for his nieces and nephews: Katie, Paolo, Isabella and Alessandro Giacometti -of N.Grafton, Mass., Courtney DelGiudice of Chicago, IL., Luke Hajdasz of Norwich, CT, Emma Hajdasz of Farmington, Maine and Audra Catania, husband Patrick Guckian of N.Branford.

Francis’ sense of humor and love will remain with all his family and friends forever.
May God bless him. Xoxo

A funeral mass will be held at St. Mary Church of Branford, CT at 10 AM on Saturday, July 29th, 2023. Keenan Funeral Home of West Haven, CT is in charge of arrangements. There will not be calling hrs