John Walter Smith

John Walter Smith of Bala Cynwyd, Pa, died on September 21, 2013 in Annapolis, MD. He was the son of Walter Hayes Smith and Charlotte Christine Smith (nee Faisst), also of Bala Cynwyd. John was born on October 11, 1934, and married Mary Elizabeth "Bettye" Smith (Drexel '61; d. - December 24, 2012) of Lansdowne, PA on September 16, 1961. John lived in the College Park section of Bala Cynwyd for almost 70 years before moving to Annapolis with his son and family in 2008. John graduated from Lower Merion High School in 1953, and attended Penn State where he was involved in the Army ROTC, but withdrew to go on active duty in the Army. He stayed in the reserves for several years and earned the rank of Sergeant First Class. After active duty, John began working in the field of Corporate Insurance. Starting with John Hancock and Provident Mutual, he settled in with the new firm Brokerage Concepts, Inc. He was with BCI for over 30 years as one of their leading salesman, growing the company into the largest third party insurer in the United States. John and Bettye both had many friends all along the Main Line, the greater Philadelphia area, and throughout the world. His biggest contribution to his community was as a member of "The Club" (AA) for almost 40 years. John was "legendary" for leading the Thursday Night Beginners Meeting at the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr, PA. Many fellow members have attributed John with "saving their lives," an honor beyond all compare. All will miss John for his larger-than-life sense of humor, uproarious laugh, and exceptionally kind heart. SURVIVORS: John is survived by his son Andrew C. Smith, Esq. in Annapolis, MD; daughter-in-law Pamela J. Luby, Esq.; grandchildren William C. Smith and Katherine M. Smith; brother-in-law David L. Crocker, sister-in-law Patricia, and nephew Daniel of Woodstock, VT; family cousins in Willow Grove, PA, and Germany. SERVICES: Funeral services will scheduled at a later time as John donated his body to the Anatomy Gift Registry in one last selfless act to help his fellow man. MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations in John's name to the Church of the Redeemer in Bryn Mawr in support of "The Club (AA)," or the church.