John J. “Jack” Smith

John J. “Jack” Smith

October 20, 1938 - July 09, 2023

John J. “Jack” Smith, on July 9th, age 84, of Cranberry Township PA, and previously of Lewes DE, Burke, VA and originally Springfield, PA. Loving husband of Frances Smith for 59 years, and caring father of John J. Smith Jr. of Woodstock, NY (Nadja Petrov), Christopher Barry-Smith of Arlington, MA (Lori), and Julia Castagnero of Zelienople, PA. 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. Survived by his brothers Thomas, Robert, and Joseph Smith. Also survived by many 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 thirty 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 prolific home garden, crafted furniture and candle boxes as the proprietor of Burke Woodcrafts, 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 Braddock Road 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 marching band halftime show.

Jack loved trying new things and he loved having fun, whether cards at the Jersey Shore with his siblings and their families, golfing in several leagues throughout retirement, delivering Meals on Wheels, participating in the Saint Vincent DePaul ministry, and visiting and laughing with Frances and their friends wherever they called home. Jack and Fran attended elementary school together, were married in 1963, and enjoyed a glass of wine together on their “Snake River nights” whether in the Tetons or on their back deck. He will be missed, and he will be remembered with love.

Memorial mass will be celebrated on Monday, July 24th at St. Francis of Assisi Church in Springfield, PA. Visitation at 10am at the church, followed by mass and interment at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, those wishing to honor Jack may consider a donation in his name to your local Meals on Wheels or the Apollo Homelessness Collaborative, 9979 Old Mill Road, Ellicott City, MD 21042.