Submitted by Bill Norvell 1965 <w.norvell@att.net> on 18/Jan/2025 107.145.136.59
John W. "Jack" Smith,
born on August 7, 1949, in Newburgh, NY, passed away on January 17, 2025. He was
the son of the late Arthur Smith and Loretta (Gogerty) Smith. He grew up in
Newburgh, where he attended the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.
In 1967, John joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his
country. A combat Vietnam veteran in 1968-1969, where he achieved the rank of
Sergeant in two years. Following his Vietnam service, John was selected to join
the esteemed 8th & I Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where he served on the
Presidential Marine detail at the White House, Blair House, and Camp David under
President Richard Nixon.
After an honorable discharge from the Marine
Corps, John began a 23-year career with the Town of Newburgh Police Department.
He was the town's first Youth Officer and was later promoted to detective, a
role he loved. John contributed to solving high-profile cases, earning mentions
in books and an appearance on the Dominick Dunne Show on Court TV. Always
humble, he credited his success to teamwork with local and federal officers,
many of whom became close friends.
In retirement, John volunteered with
St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, the Senior Dining Program, and the Town of Newburgh
Recreation Advisory Board. He was also a member of the New Windsor, American
Legion Post 1796, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Marine Corps
Association. John was also a certified open water scuba diver.
Above all,
John’s greatest joy was his family. He loved traveling with his wife, Roseanne,
attending the annual Marine Corps reunions with Whiskey Battery 1-12, and
spending precious time with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Roseanne (Bell)
Smith; his sons, Gerald Smith (Kathy) and John Smith II (Kelly); and his
cherished grandchildren, Austin, Brooke, Addison, John “Jack,” and Liam Smith.
He is also survived by his brother, Arthur F. Smith (Louise); his mother-in-law,
Rose Bell; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents
and his sisters, Joan Spampinato, Jean Foster, and Patricia Cline.
In
lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation,
Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Special
Olympics of New York.
John W. "Jack" Smith,
born on August 7, 1949, in Newburgh, NY, passed away on January 17, 2025. He was
the son of the late Arthur Smith and Loretta (Gogerty) Smith. He grew up in
Newburgh, where he attended the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.
