John Clement Smith Service Information

John (Jack) Clement Smith, of Newtown, PA passed peacefully on Sunday, September 1, 2024, at St. Mary Medical Center in Langhorne, PA. He was 98 years old.

Born on November 23, 1925, in Detroit, MI, Jack was the son of the late James and Sarah McGuckin Smith. He was the beloved husband of the late Mary Ann Jackson Smith. At the time of her passing in 2006, the couple had been married for 56 years. He was the brother of the late James Smith, Dorothy Gheldof, and Alfred Smith and is survived by his sister, Mary Jane (Molly) Gheldof.

Jack will always be loved and missed by his seven children and their spouses, Kevin Smith (Jane), Sean Smith (Elizabeth), Bridget Khabbaz (Dar), Maureen Eichorn (David), Brian Smith (Salvatore), Kathy Ryan (Sean) and Sheila Smith; his 19 grandchildren, Aaron VanSchie, Kenneth VanSchie, Brittany Ryan, Lauren Castle, Evan VanSchie, Daniel Eichorn, Patrick Ryan, Collin Smith, Rachel VanSchie-Conway, Sarah Eichorn, Courtney VanSchie, Troy Smith, Kaitlyn Ryan, Joseph Eichorn, Justin Eichorn, Matthew Ryan, Meghan Ryan, Emily Scheidecker, and Madison Ryan; and his eight great-grandchildren, Ashlyn VanSchie, Bryson VanSchie, Daniella VanSchie, Jenson VanSchie, Ella Eichorn, Elliot Conway, Atlas VanSchie, and Noah Ryan.

Jack was a graduate of St. James High School in Ferndale, MI. He enlisted in the Army Air Corp. and reached the rank of corporal. Following his discharge, he attended the University of Detroit earning a BS in chemistry. He spent his career in the adhesives and coatings industry and retired in 1990 as Vice President of Manufacturing from Karnak Corporation in Clark, NJ.

Jack lived a life of simplicity, finding joy in the little things and cherishing the time he spent with loved ones. He always showed unconditional love and support to those around him. His kind-hearted personality made others feel valued and loved, and his sweet disposition and warm smile could brighten anyone’s day. He was a strong and determined man who worked extremely hard. A self-proclaimed “Mr. Fix It,” he would try to fix anything he had so he didn’t have to throw it away or buy something new. He deeply appreciated the value of a dollar and knew just how hard he had to work to earn it. At the same time, Jack’s stubborn determination got him into ‘trouble’ well into his nineties. He could be found trying to fix the roof, clean the gutters, and trim trees, all on his own. He refused help. His favorite response to an offer of help was, “I don’t think so Tim!”  

He had a quick wit, a sharp mind, and an ability to produce a puzzle, brain teaser, or random facts at a moment’s notice. He enjoyed spending time with family, attending mass, golf, football, the Detroit Lions, being outdoors, watching birds and people, listening to Irving Berlin songs, and taking trips to Cape May, NJ.

Jack’s kindness, love, and compassion profoundly impacted the lives of his family, friends, and the community. He was an active member of St. Andrew’s Catholic Church for over 70 years. He held many roles at the church, including being a member of the Legion of Mary, lector, and catechist. He was a volunteer at St. Mary’s for 29 years. His last assignment was Hospital Navigator. Every week he would say, “I got to tell people where to go.”

Jack leaves a legacy of love, resilience, and cherished memories that will be carried in the hearts of those lives he touched.

Relatives and friends are invited to greet Jack’s family on Friday, September 13, 2024, beginning at 9:00 am, until the start of his Funeral Mass at 10:00 am at the Olde Church of St. Andrew, 135 South Sycamore Street in Newtown, PA 18940. His interment will follow at St. Andrew Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: Catholic Social Services @cssphiladelphia.org located in Philadelphia, PA or the So Much to Give Inclusive Café @ somuchtogivecafe.org located at 3401 Skippack Pike, Skippack, PA 19423 (484) 854-3379.

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