Obituaries John Matthew "Jack" Smith
John Matthew “Jack” Smith of NE Philadelphia died peacefully with his wife and family by his side on August 18, 2021. He was 81.
Jack was the loving and devoted husband of Wendy M. Stragis Smith and together they had shared over 37 years of life, love, marriage, and family.
Born in Newark, NJ he was the son of the late John J. Smith and Sara Hubert Smith Halupka.
Jack spent much of his life in New Jersey and graduated from the Newark School of Fine Arts. He led a long career as an Art Director having worked for various companies and advertising firms including Bell Laboratories of AT&T, Health Learning Systems, and Avon. He eventually owned and operated his own advertising agency, John Matthew Smith Advertising and then went on to work as an Art Director for Siemen’s Corporation.
Jack possessed a true passion for art from an early age and was skilled in drawing, painting and photography all throughout his life. In retirement he had also become interested and proficient in digital art and his artwork was featured as part of “The Upstairs Gallery” in Peddler’s Village in two shows entitled “The Colorful Series” and “Diverse” – Digital Watercolors by John Matthew Smith.
Jack also had a need for speed and enjoyed years of racing everything from Alpha Romeo, Fiat, Triumph and Motocross, just to name a few. He also enjoyed reading, listening to music, watching movies, and was a life-long New York Giants football fan.
Most of all, however, Jack will be remembered for his quick wit, his ability to build a lasting rapport with just about anyone and for having a way with words that was admired by many.
That boyish charm and twinkle in his eye will be missed by all who knew Jack as a loving husband, father, Pop-Pop, and friend.
In addition to his wife, Jack leaves behind his daughter, September Smith of Newport, NC; his grandchildren, Nicole Richardson and John Matthew Nigh; and his great-grandchildren, Autumn, Jaylen, Deborah, Kacie, Joslyn, and Jarrett.
Services and interment will be held privately at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to American Lung Association, 527 Plymouth Road, Suite 415, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462.
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