Frances Donna (Ariniello) Smith

July 4, 1933 – April 25, 2006

Frances Donna Smith, lovingly known to many as "Franny Frog," lived a life defined not by loud words, but by quiet strength, deep love, and unwavering devotion to her family. Born on July 4, 1933, in the Bronx, New York, to Rose Trippardella and Charlie Ariniello, Frances built a life rooted in family, resilience, and simple joys.

She spent most of her years in Yonkers, New York, where she created a home filled with warmth and steady love. Frances dedicated over 30 years of her life working as a teller for the Bank of New York, where her consistency, kindness, and work ethic left a lasting impression on all who knew her.

Frances was the beloved wife of Charles E. Smith, with whom she shared a lifetime of love until his passing on March 17, 2015. Together, they built a family that became her greatest pride and purpose.

In their retirement years, Frances and Charles embraced life together in a different way through adventure and exploration. They enjoyed vacationing on cruises, taking in the beauty of the open water, and traveling across the United States, driving to see landmarks and experience the country side by side. One of their most cherished journeys brought them to Ireland, a special trip filled with memories they carried with them always.

She was a devoted mother to Donna M. Smith, who passed on July 28, 2020, and Susan E. Canonico, and her partner Billy Weingart. Her legacy continues through her cherished grandchildren and great grandchilden: Thomas Isidori and his children Kaisi Paige, Taryn Rose, and Charles; Rosemarie Isidori and her wife Jennifer, along with their children Ella and Mina; and Rudolph Sagnelli.

Frances is also reunited with her beloved siblings who have passed, including her sister Lucille and William Arciola. She is survived by her sister Catherine and Ralph Arred, her brother Peter "GG" and Rosalie Ariniello, along with many nieces and nephews who loved her deeply.

To her family, Frances was everything. She found her greatest joy in time spent with her children and grandchildren whether it was long days shopping on Central Avenue, going to dinner with friends, enjoying Broadway, or simply being together. She didn't need grand gestures; her love was felt in presence, in consistency, in the quiet ways she showed up every single day.

She was an incredibly strong and resilient woman who faced life's hardships, including a courageous battle with breast cancer, with grace and determination. She carried herself with a quiet dignity that left a lasting impact on everyone around her.

Known affectionately as "Franny Frog" for her love of frogs, she had a playful, endearing side that her family will forever hold close to their hearts.

Frances passed away peacefully, surrounded by love, with her grandson Thomas and her daughter Susan holding her hands, as the voice of her favorite singer, Dean Martin, filled the room just as warm and comforting as the life she had lived.

Today, we do not mourn Frances we celebrate her. We celebrate a long life filled with love, family, and strength. We find comfort in knowing she is reunited with her beloved husband Charlie, her daughter Donna, and is once again caring for her cherished black lab, Fritz perhaps even feeding him her famous meatballs.

Her legacy lives on in every life she touched, every lesson she taught without words, and every memory that continues to bring warmth to those who loved her.

Grandma, your love is still with us—in every laugh, every meal, every moment we share. Thank you for everything. We will carry you with us, always.

Calling Hours will be at 11:00 am on tuesday April 27, 2025 at the Sinatra Community Home For Funerals

"The family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, donations be made in Frances' honor to the Alzheimer's Association and the American Heart Association."