Francis “Frank” Martin Smusz, Sr., 95, of Buchanan, passed away on Wednesday, July 1, 2026.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Rosemary Falchiere Smusz; parents, Francis Martin Smusz and Dora Smusz; and numerous brothers and sisters.
After serving in Korea in the United States Army, he met his true love, Rosemary, and married in 1956. They resided in Queens, New York, and then moved to Long Island, where they raised their family. In 1986, they moved to Smith Mountain Lake, Va.; and after Rosemary’s passing, Frank moved to Buchanan in 1998. He supervised delivery for Meals on Wheels in Roanoke until 2014. Later, he dedicated many years of service to his Buchanan community. He was known for volunteering in many antique shops, the Buchanan Resource Center, and the Buchanan Theatre.
Frank was a very loving and caring man. He was the type that never met a stranger and had no problem sharing his opinion with others. He also had an outstanding secret salad and beef stew recipes and never would share what made them so special. Frank always said he never wanted to stop doing something, because when you stop, that’s it.
Left to honor and cherish Frank’s memory are his sons, Frank Smusz, Jr. (Teresa), John Smusz (Wendy), and Russell Smusz; grandchildren, Brian Smusz, Kevin Smusz (Samantha), Grace Smusz, Sandra Aranegui, and Daniel Aranegui (Taylor); great-grandchildren, Carter, Natalie, Ian, Cayden, Jaselyn, Raelyn, and Kai; great-great-grandson, Luca; very special friend, Pat Woodward, and good friend and Resource Center buddy, Melissa Lucas.
The family will receive friends from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 8, 2026, at the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. A funeral service celebrating Frank’s life will follow at 11 a.m. in the funeral home chapel, with I. Ray Sloan officiating. Interment will follow at Mountain View Cemetery in Vinton.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in Frank’s honor to the Buchanan Resource Center. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.botetourtfh.com or by calling 540-254-3000.
