Francis J. Smith, Sr., 84, Villas, entered into eternal rest Friday, February 7 at Pelican Pointe Nursing & Rehabilitation Center, North Cape May.

Born May 18, 1940, in Philadelphia, he was the son of the late Larue and Mary (McBride) Smith.

He grew up in Philadelphia and graduated from North Catholic High School. He was a diehard Philadelphia Eagles fan and longtime season ticket holder. He was a member of the Parish of St. John Neumann and attended the Church of St. Raymond. He was also a member of the Villas Fishing Club and the VFW- where he was a bartender. He also served in the United States Army.

Francis worked at General Electric in Philadelphia for many years and later in the Lower Cape May School District.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a daughter Alicia C. Sexton (2016) and his siblings Bud Smith, Mary Burns, Rita Sheridan and Judith McCann.

Francis is survived by his wife of nearly 57 years, Mary (Leaden) Smith; son Francis J. Smith, Jr.; grandchildren Samantha, Alexis, Maryann and Craig; and several nieces and nephews.

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11AM Friday, February 21 at the Parish of St. John Neuman Church of St. Raymond 800 Bayshore Road Villas NJ. Family and friends are invited to pay their respects from 10AM until the time of Mass. Interment with military honors will be held on the Cape May County Veteran’s Cemetery immediately following.

Evoy Funeral Home 3218 Bayshore Road North Cape May has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family would prefer donations be made in Francis’ name to OperationRampItUp.com or the American Stroke Association www.stroke.org.