John C. Smith, age 69, of West Bridgewater, passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2023, at the Good Samaritan Medical Center. He was the husband of Joanne C. (Hawkins) Smith.
Born and raised in Brockton, he was the son of the late John G. and Olive Yvette (Billadeau) Smith.
John graduated from Southeastern Regional Vocational Technical High School.
He was a member of the Easton Rod & Gun Club, NRA, and the Bridgewater Antiphonal Brass Society. Mr. Smith enjoyed traveling, playing drums, music, cars, fishing, collecting guns, motorcycles, and scotch. His love for his country was only surpassed by the love he had for his family and friends.
His family and friends will remember John as being goofy, outgoing, his ability to fix anything, and hearing his grandchildren calling him “Grumpy”.
In addition to his loving wife Joanne, he leaves his three children, John C. Smith and his wife Jesika, of Waterville, ME, Kelli M. Lancaster and her husband Craig of South Kingstown, RI, and Michelle B. Smith of West Bridgewater; two sisters , Janet McGinty of Brockton and Rosemary Burns of Abington; five grandchildren, Cadyn Smith and Raegan Smith of Gothenburg, NE, Hunter Smith of West Bridgewater, and Brooke and Colin Lancaster of South Kingstown, RI; his lifelong friend, Michael Santry of Brockton, who was more a brother than anything else and was by his side every chance during the past few months. John also leaves his nephews, Michael, Tom, Jim, and John. All of whom he taught to ride motorcycles, went fishing with, spent hours talking, listen to music and playing pool over beers and working on various projects together. He would literally go across the country to help them when needed. He also leaves his only niece Sue. He taught her to never take anyone’s crap and loved and protected her as much as his own daughters. The list of those touched by him goes on forever, they all meant the world to him and, though not listed here, kept a special place in his heart.
Visiting hours will be on Thursday, October 12, 2023, from 4:00 to 7:00 pm, in the Conley Funeral Home, 138 Belmont Street (Rte 123) Brockton. His funeral service will be held on Friday, October 13, 2023, at 10:00 am, in the funeral home. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory can be made to:https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org or to VFW Post 1046 Brockton, heroes.vfw.org