John H. Smith

John Harold Smith, affectionately known as "Smitty" to his friends and family, passed away peacefully at home on January 1, 2025, at the age of 97 in Seminole, Florida. Born on September 22, 1927, in Amsterdam, New York, Smitty was a man whose vibrant spirit and infectious laughter left a lasting impression on all who knew him.  For many years, he spent summer through fall in Amsterdam, NY and later (through this past September) in Tribes Hill, NY. 

At the age of 17, he enlisted in the United States Navy during World War II, serving his country with honor in the Pacific, Okinawa, Marshall and Canary Islands as a 3rd class gunner's mate. His naval journey culminated with a mission on the USS Lake Champlain, where he proudly assisted in bringing troops back home to the United States from Southampton, England.

His outgoing personality was complemented by a loud, unmistakable laugh and twinkling bright green eyes that could light up any room. Smitty was a bit of a daredevil, always willing to give anything a try. He was an avid deer hunter throughout his life, continuing to enjoy the sport until November 2023, at the impressive age of 96. In his younger days, he even raced cars, a testament to his adventurous spirit. Smitty was a man who thrived in the great outdoors, preferring fresh air and open spaces to indoors.

He was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rosemond Smith, as well as his parents, August and Caroline Smith. His siblings, Leo Smith, Edward Smith, Sarah Smith, and Rudolph Smith, also preceded him in death. Smitty's legacy continues through his surviving family members, including his daughters, Charlene Reedy (John Reedy) and Sharon Alexander (Wayne Renyak), and his son, John H. Smith, Jr. His granddaughters, Claudine Leger, Jaclyn Bhamornsiri, and Janel Lancaster, brought him immense joy, as did his great-grandchildren, Kayla Leger, Morgan Morgan, Alyssa Leger, Pierce Bhamornsiri, and Emery Lancaster.

A Celebration of John's Life will be held Saturday, 1/18/25 from 1 pm - 3 pm at the Original Crabby Bill's restaurant, 401 Gulf Blvd, Indian Rocks Beach .  He will be laid to rest at Bay Pines National Cemetery where he will receive full military honors for his service in the US Navy.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to American Legion Post 273, 600 American Legion Drive, Madeira Beach, FL 33708, www.amleg273.com