John J. Smith, federal retiree
John J. “Jack” Smith, 84, of Cranberry Township Pa., and previously of Lewes, Burke, Va., and originally Springfield, Pa., passed away Sunday, July 9. He was the loving husband of Frances Smith for 59 years, caring father of John J. Smith Jr. (Nadja Petrov) of Woodstock, N.Y., Christopher Barry-Smith (Lori) of Arlington, Mass., and Julia Castagnero of Zelienople, Pa.; and fun-loving and supportive grandfather to Annie, Erin and Kiley. Jack was predeceased by his parents, James B. and Margaret Smith; and his oldest brother, Bart Smith. He is survived by his brothers, Thomas, Robert and Joseph Smith. Also survived by loving cousins, nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A graduate of St. Joseph’s University and Penn, he served a stint in Army intelligence before embarking on a career as an economist. Jack left the aviation industry in 1973 when he and his family relocated to Fairfax County, and Jack began a 30-year career at the DOT and FAA. He carpooled downtown with the same crew of fellow civil servants for decades, and later enjoyed the travel and flexibility of economic consulting once a federal retiree.
Jack had many interests and talents, and embodied work-life balance before the term was in common usage. He cultivated a home garden, crafted furniture and candle boxes, and enrolled in community education classes on mythology and religion. If his children had an interest, he wasn’t merely supportive, he’d likely run the enterprise. For years, Jack oversaw the Royal Pool swim team, was a league commissioner for youth soccer, and a leader in his Catholic parishes in Virginia and Delaware. He was a superfan at Lake Braddock High School for years, whether at a jazz band concert, basketball or soccer game, swim meet, or the band halftime show.
Jack loved trying new things and he loved having fun, whether at the Jersey Shore with his siblings and families, golfing in leagues throughout retirement, delivering Meals on Wheels, participating in the Saint Vincent de Paul ministry, and visiting and laughing with Frances and their friends wherever they called home. Jack and Fran attended elementary school together, married in 1963, and enjoyed a glass of wine together on their “Snake River nights” whether in the Tetons or on their deck. He will be missed and remembered with love.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated with visitation at 10 a.m., Monday, July 24, at St. Francis of Assisi Church, Springfield, Pa., followed by Mass at 11 a.m. Interment will be at SS. Peter & Paul Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jack may consider a donation to local Meals on Wheels, or the Apollo Homelessness Collaborative, 9979 Old Mill Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.
Professional arrangements entrusted to Devlin Funeral Home of Cranberry Township.
