The Diocese of Orlando asks for prayers for the soul of Father Francis X. J. "Frank" Smith, who recently died at age 91.

“Please pray for the repose of the soul of Father Frank Smith,” the diocese posted on Facebook. “… He officially retired in 2001 but continued to serve for several years at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park because the Lord’s work is never done. He is known for his joyous sense of humor.” 

Smith was born into a large family in Philadelphia in 1931, according to Florida Today. He was drafted in 1952 and served in the U.S. Army in Korea. 

After completing his service, he studied industrial management at La Salle College. He then attended St. Jerome Seminary College in Ontario, Canada, to study to become a priest in the Diocese of St. Augustine, according to Florida Today.  He continued his studies at the American College of the University of Louvain in Belgium, where he was ordained a priest in 1964. 

Smith served in many different roles throughout the Diocese of St. Augustine and the Diocese of Orlando. He taught at Bishop Barry Catholic High School in St. Petersburg and served as the pastor of Blessed Trinity Catholic Church in Ocala for 10 years. 

He took a study sabbatical at the University of Louvain and then returned to Florida, where he spent two years establishing a Diocesan permanent diaconate program, while also serving as pastor at Good Shepherd Catholic Church in Orlando. He then served as pastor at Epiphany Catholic Church in Port Orange for eight years, before being appointed pastor of Ascension Catholic Church in Melbourne, where he served until his retirement in 2001. 

Smith oversaw many projects and assignments, including renovations at Epiphany Catholic Church and building an affordable housing complex called Epiphany Manor. While serving at Ascension Catholic Church, he oversaw the construction of a new school and another affordable housing complex. After his retirement, he continued to serve at St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in Winter Park. 

His funeral service took place on Aug. 1 in Melbourne. Those who missed it can watch it on YouTube.