John D. Smith, Sr.

John D. Jack Smith,Sr., 86, formerly of South Main Street, Wilkes-Barre, passed away Wednesday evening at Hospice Community Care, Geisinger South Wilkes-Barre. Born on April 24, 1924, he was a son of the late John H. and Gwendolyn (Joseph) Smith. He was a 1942 graduate of G.A. R. High School. He was an Army veteran of World War II, having served with the 10th Mountain Infantry. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #61 F & A.M. and Irem Temple A.A.N.O.M.S. A proud Welshman, he lived in Wilkes-Barre his entire life. As a young man, he was self-employed as a painter known as Steeple Jack. He painted Toys for Tots for many years. Prior to retiring, he was the president of General Lamp Corporation. He was also the former owner of the Paramount Theater. Jack was a former professional prize fighter in the welter weight division and formerly served as the Chairman on the Board of Directors for the Boxing Hall of Fame. He was preceded in death by his wife, Veronica A. Smith in 2006, brother, James R. Smith; and sisters Ethel and Gwendolyn Smith. Surviving are his companion of many years, Ms. Jean Harris; niece, Marcia Walden; children John D. Smith, Jr., Wilkes-Barre; twin daughters Mary Lynn Smith, Frederick, MD and Patricia Graziosi, Wilkes-Barre; Michael A. Smith, Wilkes-Barre; Karen Misorek, Duryea; James Smith, Noxen; Veronica Cobb, Austin, TX; Jude Smith, Carlisle; many grandchildren and great grandchildren. Jack was a good friend to many. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Monday, at 1:00 pm ,from St. Aloysius Roman Catholic Church, Wilkes-Barre. Friends and family may meet at the church. Interment is private. Kniffen OMalley Funeral Home, Inc. is in charge of arrangements. Please make memorial donations to: National Parkinson FoundationGift Processing CenterPo Box 5018Hagerstown, MD 21741-5018www2.parkinson.org or The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's ResearchChurch Street StationP.O. Box 780New York, NY 10008-0780