Deacon John A Smith's Obituary
Deacon John A. Smith, age 81, of Lewes, DE passed away on Sunday, April 12, 2015 at the Delaware Veterans Home in Milford, DE. He was born on February 9, 1934 in Brooklyn, NY, son of the late Alphonsus and Mary (Mahoney) Smith.
Mr. Smith proudly served in the US Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict and received an Honorable Discharge in 1954. He graduated from the NYPD Police Academy in 1957, served the City of New York for 23 years in the rank of Patrolman and retired from service in 1980. During his tenure with the NYPD he was inducted into the NYPD Honor Legion for an act of heroism resulting in saving the life of a fellow Patrolman. Following his retirement from the NYPD, Mr. Smith entered the New York Army National Guard serving in the 42nd Infantry Division. He attained the rank of Sergeant First Class, retired from service in 1995, and relocated to Lewes with his wife, Anna, to enjoy their retirement.
In 1984, Mr. Smith was ordained a Roman Catholic Deacon and ministered in New York for 12 years. “Deacon John” devoted 15 years to ministering in Lewes and Rehoboth Beach with St. Jude the Apostle Catholic Church and St. Edmond Catholic Church. He especially loved ministering to homebound residents in the area and actively supported the Good Shepherd Fund at Dover Air Force Base that provides financial assistance to enlisted personnel in time of need.
Deacon John was a lifetime member of the VFW Post #7447 in Rehoboth Beach where he served as Chaplain and Commander. He was a member of American Legion Post #5 in Rehoboth Beach, a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) the oldest and largest Irish Catholic Fraternal organization, Deacon John served as Chaplain with the Disabled American Veterans, and served as Chaplin for the Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council #7297. He enjoyed an occasional round of golf with friends. Above all he loved his family, helping and serving others and will forever be remembered as a selfless man of God.
In addition to his parents, Deacon John was preceded in death by his brother, Joseph F. Smith. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 59 years, Anna V. Smith of Lewes, DE; three daughters: Barbara A. Swenson and her husband Al of Palm Harbor, FL, Theresa M. Harris and her husband Patrick of Cornwall, NY and Jean C. Rakotz and her husband James of Croton-on-Hudson, NY; two sons: Thomas A. Smith and his wife Kathleen of Falls Church, VA and John M. Smith and his wife Katrina of Tappan, NY; seven grandsons: Thomas B. Smith, John D. Smith, Patrick Harris, Ryan Smith, Alex Rakotz, Ian Rakotz and Luke Smith; five granddaughters: Jacqueline Harris, Lauren Nadiq and her husband Drew, Anna Rakotz, Riley Smith and Claire Mary Smith; one great-grandson, Thomas B. Smith, Jr.; one brother: James Smith of Boston, MA and one sister, Helen Flynn of Jensen Beach, FL.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11 AM on Thursday, April 16, 2015 at St. Edmond Catholic Church, 409 King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971, where friends may call beginning at 10:00AM.
Friends may also call from 6 PM - 8 PM on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 at Parsell Funeral Homes & Crematorium, Atkins-Lodge Chapel, 16961 Kings Highway, Lewes, DE 19958, where a Prayer Service by the Knights of Columbus will begin at 5:45 PM.
Interment with Military Honors will be held at 11 AM on Friday, April 17, 2015 at the Delaware Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 26669 Patriots Way, Millsboro, DE 19966.
Memorial contributions may be made in Deacon John Smith's memory to the Delaware Veterans Home, 100 Delaware Veterans Blvd., Milford, DE 19963 or the Knights of Columbus Star of the Sea Council #7297, 409 King Charles Avenue, Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971.
Please sign Deacon John Smith's online guestbook at this site.
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