1938 - 2025
With his trademark humor, he often joked that “the only part of his degree he used was the BS.” He spent more than 30 years in sales with General Electric before continuing his career with Grainger for seven years until his retirement.
A proud Army veteran, Wayne proudly served in the Army for 6 years attaining the rank of Captain.
Wayne’s story with his first wife began in the most everyday way—growing up, Wayne was the local paperboy and it was on his paper route that he met a girl named Sandra Lee Bessette. Their lives eventually came together, and they settled in Franklin, where they built 30 years of marriage before Sandy’s passing in 1997.
Known for his big personality and love of good company, 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. His talent for connection led him to the second great love of his life. It was through their mutual love of playing cards that Wayne met Joan Secatore and they married in 2004. The two built a vibrant life together, including many cherished years at their home in Lake Havasu City, AZ, where Wayne found another family of friends… spending days with the Lunch Bunch and time at the Moose.
Wayne is survived by his loving wife Joan; his 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. He also leaves behind his grandchildren Jake Costello, McKenna Costello, Stephen Smith and Sean Smith, as well as 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… followed by a funeral service at noon. Burial will follow at St. Mary’s Cemetery in Franklin.
In honor of Wayne’s generous spirit and love of community, donations may be made in his memory to the Millis Amvets Post 495, 404 Village St, Millis, MA 02054.
