John R. Smith

John R. Smith, Jr., 88, passed away peacefully Tuesday, November 8, 2011. He was born May 4, 1923 in Wanaque, NJ, the son of the late John R. and Ruth D. Belding Smith. John graduated from Butler High School in New Jersey. He served his country proudly in the United States Army Air Corps during WWII. On April 25, 1954, he married Lois Roff, who predeceased him in 2005. Together they shared over fifty one years together. John was a former Diamond Glove Boxing Champion in Patterson, NJ. He participated in competitive archery and was an avid outdoorsman. John also enjoyed playing the banjo and harmonica. "He lived to live". Survivors include two sons: Christopher Smith of Royal Oak, MI and Gary R. Rowe of Torrence, CA; four daughters: Karen Ann Hopper Paul M. of Monroe, North Carolina, Linda J. Monks Bill of Sandyville, West Virginia, Penny S. Parker Jeff of Northville and Shirlietta Smith of Brooklyn, Michigan; nineteen grandchildren; twenty two great grandchildren and a niece, Sandy Thompson Ben of Wanaque, NJ. In addition to his beloved wife, John was predeceased by a brother, Lewis Smith. There will be no calling hours or services. Arrangements have been entrusted to Kobuskie-Konik Funeral Home, 51 Fremont Street, Gloversville, NY 12078. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in John's memory to River Ridge Living Center, LLC, 100 Sandy Drive, Amsterdam, NY 12010.