Obituary of John J. Smith

John J. Smith was called home to God on June 3, 2025, at the age of 86, surrounded by his loving and devoted family. A lifelong Brooklyn resident, John was born and raised in Gerritsen Beach, and was the eldest son of John Daniel Smith and Anne Smith. John was the beloved older brother of Patrick Smith, Gail Gallagher, Donna Killoran, Thomas Smith, Mary Ellen Smith, Debra Smith, and Regina Smith, and is predeceased by the late Philip Smith, Kerry Smith and Vincent Smith. He now joins them, and his cherished Nana, in eternal rest in Heaven.

John met the love of his life, Dianne Smith, in high school, thanks to an introduction from his brother Philip. From that moment on, they were inseparable. He lovingly called her “D” throughout their 65-year marriage, which began in 1960 at St. Mark Roman Catholic Church. John always said Dianne was “the best cook in the world,” but even more importantly, she was his other half. They had a unique connection and built a strong foundation of trust and support. They kept their promise of unwavering devotion "till death do us part." Together, they raised three children: Laurie (Steven) Kluger, Debra Smith, and Jennifer (David) Disla.

He was the proud and loving “Papa Johnny” to six grandchildren: Nicole, Sara, John, Aiden, Penelope, and Dean, and a great-grandfather to Sofia. He was a guiding presence and source of strength not only for his immediate family, but for a large extended family of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. To many, he was "Smitty" — the steady, loyal friend from the neighborhood. To his extended family, he was Uncle Johnny — warm, strong, and always present.

John graduated from St. Francis Prep and earned his bachelor’s degree with a specialization in fire science from John Jay College of Criminal Justice. He graduated magna cum laude in June 1979. In 1965, he proudly joined the FDNY, where he spent the majority of his career with Engine 254, Ladder 153, famously known as “The Watch Dawgs.” He served with honor and distinction, retiring in 1985 after 20 years. Following the attacks on 9/11, John volunteered at Ground Zero, demonstrating once again his selflessness and bravery.

After his FDNY career, John embarked on a second chapter as an ironworker with Local 361, a career he cherished just as deeply. His final major project was working on the Marine Parkway Bridge, after which he retired for good. Through both careers, John was known as a dedicated, hands-on, and incredibly hard-working man.

A man of deep faith, John was a devout Catholic who found joy and meaning in his church communities. He began at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church in his childhood and later became a devoted member of St. Edmund's Parish, where he continued to grow in his faith and serve his community.

In his retirement, John stayed sharp and curious. He was an avid reader, loved doing puzzles, and even dabbled in the stock market — hobbies that kept his mind engaged and active.

John was a remarkable man - strong, kind and full of happiness, with a spark that made everyone smile. John will be missed beyond mesaure and remembered always by those who had the privilege of knowing and loving him.

One of the most meaningful ways to honor John’s life is by donating blood, a cause deeply important to him. John's life was saved multiple times thanks to blood donations, and he remained committed to raising awareness about its life-saving power.

In lieu of flowers the family requests donations be made in John's honor to:
Weill Cornell Medical Center - New York-Presbyterian Hosptial to either
the "J. Michaeli Myeloma Reasearch Fund"
Multiple Myeloma Center Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology

OR the HFPEF Program (Cardiology)
Checks should be made payable to Weill Cornell Medical College
with "In Honor of John J. Smith" in the memo section.
Donations can be mailed to:
Office of External Affairs
1300 York Avenue, Box 314
New York, NY 10065

Donations may also be made online by following this link.

The visitation for John J. Smith will be held at Marine Park Funeral Home on Saturday, June 7, 2025 from 6:00 to 9:00 PM and on Sunday, June 8, 2025 from 2:00 to 5:00 PM and 7:00 to 9:00 PM. The Funeral Mass will be celebrated at Resurrection Roman Catholic Church on Monday, June 9, 2025 at 9:30 AM - the family will be gathering at the funeral home by 8:30 AM. The Committal Service will immediately follow the Funeral Mass at Green-Wood Cemetery.