FRANKLIN: Wayne Alan Smith

Wayne Alan Smith, 87, of Franklin passed away peacefully surrounded by family on December 2, 2025. Wayne was born in Englewood, NJ and raised in Malone, NY by parents Helen Mae (Lang) and Harland Smith. Wayne was educated at Franklin Academy and went on to college at Clarkson University where he earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering. He then got a job in sales with General Electric—he famously liked to say that the only part of his degree he used was the BS. He worked at GE for over 30 years and then Grainger for 7 years until his retirement.

Growing up, Wayne was the local paperboy and it was on his paper route that he met a girl named Sandra Lee Bessette. Wayne and Sandy eventually got together and settled in Franklin, MA. They were happily married for 30 years before Sandy passed away in 1997.

Wayne proudly served in the Army for 6 years attaining the rank of Captain.

Wayne was a very social guy and enjoyed getting together with “da boys”, whether it was at Franklin Country Club (where he was a member for 50 years!) having a round at the “19th Hole”, at the Elks with the Table of Knowledge, or playing cards at the Amvets.

It was through their mutual love of playing cards that Wayne met Joan Secatore and they married in 2004. Wayne and Joan bought a home in Lake Havasu City, AZ, where many wonderful years were spent! Wayne was a lucky man and found another family of friends in Havasu, spending days with the Lunch Bunch and time at the Moose.

Wayne is survived by his wife Joan and daughters, Shannon and her husband Matthew Costello of Bellingham, Brooke Shea and her partner Tommy Manning of Uxbridge, and his son Greg Smith and his partner Laurie of Tennessee. In addition, Wayne leaves his grandchildren, Jake Costello, McKenna Costello, Stephen Smith and Sean Smith as well as, his nieces Erica Kuharich, Colleen Paccioretti and nephew Jay Brote.

He was the brother of the late Bruce Smith.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend calling hours on Wednesday, December 17 from 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. in the Ginley Funeral Home of Franklin, 131 Main Street in Franklin (ginleyfuneralhomes.com) followed by a funeral service at noon in the funeral home.

Burial will follow at the St. Mary’s Cemetery in Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Wayne’s memory to the Millis Amvets Post 495, 404 Village St, Millis, MA 02054.