Jack Paul Smith passed away peacefully in his home on May 13, 2020. He was 90 years old.
Born in Penn Township, MI to parents Doral and Ida (nee Tyler) Smith, Jack graduated high school and enlisted in the United States Navy shortly thereafter. He served his country proudly from 1948 to 1952. Once honorably discharged, Jack settled down in Mendham, NJ that same year. He was a devout Catholic and a longtime parishioner of St. Joseph Church in Mendham.
Jack was handy and worked as an automotive technician in many Ford dealerships, including Douglas Ford in Summit, NJ. When he wasn’t working, he volunteered most of his time to the Mendham Fire Department, serving from 1964 through 1979. His favorite activities included camping trips with his family and embarking on cruise ships in his later years. What he loved most though was spending time with those around him, friends and family alike.
Jack is survived by his loving wife of 68 years, Theresa Smith, and his children: John Smith (Longwood, FL), Ida Porfirio (Forked River, NJ), Thomas Smith (Bowie, MD), Richard Smith (Mendham, NJ), Teresa Hattersley (Mendham, NJ), Stephanie Smith (Troutman, NC), and William Smith (Tinton Falls, NJ). He is also survived by his eighteen grandchildren and ten great-grandchildren. Jack is predeceased by his brothers William and Russel Smith, his sisters Marjorie, Esther, Ilene, and his grandson Richard Smith Jr.
Jack will be laid to rest in St. Joseph Cemetery, located on W. Main St. in Mendham, NJ. A Memorial Mass will be held at a later date that is to be determined. In lieu of flowers, donations in Jack’s memory may be made to St. Jude Children’s Hospital www.stjude.org.
Arrangements are being made by the Bailey Funeral Home, Mendham—baileyfuneralhomes.com.