The Sisters of St. Francis of the Neumann Communities recently gathered at Franciscan Villa in Syracuse, New York to honor two special friends as they transition to retirement – Kathryn Ruscitto, out-going chief executive officer of St. Joseph’s Health Center and Frank L. Smith, Jr., retired president and chief executive officer of Franciscan Companies.
Kathy served for 16 years at the hospital founded by our sisters in 1869, including the past five years as president and chief executive officer. She has been a strong supporter of our mission at the hospital and was instrumental in making possible the Saint Marianne Cope Shrine & Museum’s new location near St. Joseph’s campus. A visit to the shrine and museum is part of the orientation for all new hospital employees.
Frank L. Smith, Jr. was hired at St. Joseph’s by our own Sister Mary Obrist in 1984 and led the establishment of Franciscan Companies, dedicated to helping people “live home and live well.” Franciscan Companies now serves more than 14,000 patients in New York State and Pennsylvania, providing health care services including home medical equipment, sleep services, telemonitoring, senior care, infusion therapy, and pharmacy services. Frank is also an active committee member and past chair of the sisters’ annual Fairway to Heaven Golf Tournament.
We wish Kathy and Frank, and all who follow in their footsteps, every blessing.
Photo caption: Sister Roberta Smith presents Frank Smith with a token of the sisters’ appreciation.
