Francis R. "Frank" Smardo's Obituary
Francis R. “Frank” Smardo, 87 of Pittsburg, KS died August 24, 2025 at Via Christi Village in Pittsburg. He was born January 29, 1938 in Pittsburg, the son of Frank and Alexandria (Roitz) Smardo. He was a graduate from St. Mary’s High School and proudly attended the Kansas University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in commercial art. He joined the Air Force Reserves and was later honorably discharged. He married Virginia M. Daily and they later divorced. He worked in advertising for Gateway Sporting Goods and Time-Warner before leaving advertising and becoming a self-employed watercolor and sketch artist later in life. He began specializing in portraits of firefighters and first responders, as well as equine art. As the self-proclaimed America’s Firefighter Artist, he became renowned in first responder communities. His work is admired and displayed in fire houses and first responders’ homes all over the country.
Survivors include a daughter Gretchen (Ryan) Bennett of Littleton, CO; a son Greg (Jennifer) Smardo of Parker, CO; a brother Dave (Karen) Smardo of Thornton, CO; grandchildren Colette Bennett and Preston Bennett; a brother-in-law Joseph Wachter of Pittsburg; nieces: Mary Jo Warmuth of Overland Park, KS, Kate Harley of Oklahoma City, OK, nephews: Frank Smardo of Indianapolis, IN, Scott Smardo of Portland, OR, and Kurt Wachter of Girard, KS.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his sister Marianne Wachter and a grandson, Gaige Bennett. Family will receive friends at the funeral home on Saturday, September 6th from 12pm to 2 pm. Private graveside services will be at the Highland Park Cemetery in Pittsburg. Condolences may be left at www.bathnaylor.com. Services are under the direction of the Bath-Naylor Funeral Home of Pittsburg.
Frank was passionate about supporting organizations that helped abused and homeless animals. His request was for memorial donations to be given in his name to any of the following organizations:
-Front Range Equine Rescue, https://www.frontrangeequinerescue.org/, PO Box 8807, Pueblo, CO 81008
-Alley Cat Allies, https://www.alleycat.org PO Box 7617, Merrifield, VA 22116-9519
-South East Kansas Humane Society https://www.thesekhumanesociety.com/
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