John Calvin Smith

John Calvin Smith obituary, Lynnfield, MA

John Calvin Smith

John Smith Obituary

Visit the McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield website to view the full obituary.
John Calvin "Dutchie" Smith, a 12th generation proud and prominent Lynnfield resident, died peacefully on Tuesday, November 22, 2016 at the Ledgewood Rehabilitation Center in Beverly, after a brief illness. Born on the Smith Farm, the site of Pocahontas Tavern and Springs in Lynnfield, on October 17, 1925 he was the son of the late Joseph F. and Della (Rich) Smith. John was raised in Lynnfield and was a graduate of Wakefield High School, Class of 1942. He later graduated from UMass Amherst College with a degree in Chemical Engineering after serving in the United States Navy during WWII. He was retired from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, serving with MEMA; spending his career in the sales and marketing field. Among his passions were boating, fishing, and hunting; which he enjoyed with friends and relatives. He was a lifelong skier, continuing to enjoy the sport well into his late 70's, when he could no longer find contemporaries to ski with. Following in the footsteps of his father, John was a dedicated public servant for his Country, his state, and his hometown of Lynnfield. He was cheerful and active and known for his involvement in town organizations including: Finance Committee, Planning Board, Lynnfield-Wakefield Rotary, Chairman of the Zoning Board Appeals, a Delegate for the Lynnfield Republicans Committee, member of the Lynnfield Center Water Commission, an Alternative Town Moderator, and finally a member of the Masons of both Lynnfield and Gloucester. He was the beloved husband of Ann B. (Bishop) Smith, with whom he shared 43 years of marriage. He was the loving father of John Gary Smith of Amesbury, Lindsay Smith Barkan of Natick, Leslie Smith Olson of Lynnfield, C. Christopher Eaton of NH, Bradford Eaton of Groton and Scott Eaton of NH. He was the brother of L. Marie Vazzana of NC. He is also survived by his ten grandsons: Zachary, Taylor, Wesley, Randy, Spencer, Matthew, Mark, Alex, Brett and Brian. Funeral Service in the Centre Congregational Church, 5 Summer St., Lynnfield on Tuesday at 1pm. Interment will be at Forest Hill Cemetery in Lynnfield. Visitation for relatives and friends at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield on Monday from 4-8pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Sign John Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 6, 2016

Karen Brunett posted to the memorial.

December 5, 2016

John Crowley posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2016

Jay Kimball posted to the memorial.

Karen Brunett

December 6, 2016

Hi Ann-
I hope you read this! My dad, Herbert Patterson, mentioned John's passing. Wow 91 years and ten grandsons, all male!?! Sounds like fun and a very rich life. He is now with my mom and your good friend Rachelle Ann Patterson-Lloyd having fun in heaven. I remember John as so much fun. I've been living in California for the past 26 years and I'd love to hear from you. Love Karen Patterson Brunett 650 644-7975

John Crowley

December 5, 2016

So very sorry for all the Smith Family

Jay Kimball

November 29, 2016

One of, if not the last, real Lynnfield native, John Smith was a truly great man and citizen, dedicating so much of his time and effort to the Town he loved so dearly. A long time Commissioner of the Lynnfield Center Water District, where he led the process of finding, developing and protecting our well sourced drinking water supply; a member of the Lynnfield Board of Appeals, who helped control the direction and nature of so many residential, business and commercial developments in Town, while maintaining the character and feel of our great community; to the Republican Town Committee where he was instrumental in protecting the conservative values of old New England: that and so much more. We thank you for all your civic efforts on behalf of Lynnfield and its residents, John, and I thank you for a long time friendship that enriched me in so many ways. Our thoughts and prayers go out to your family. Rest in peace, my friend, you will be missed.

FTD Cherished Farewell Arrangement

JOHN Kimball

Sent Flowers

David Nelson

November 28, 2016

It was truly an honor knowing John Calvin Smith. John was one of the first people I met when my family moved to Lynnfield, and I remember how impressed I was with his kindness and gentle spirit. I really enjoyd the talks we had from time to time.
Please accept my most sincere sympathy on your loss.

David Nelson
Lynnfield, MA

The FTD Faithful Blessings Bouquet  VASE INCLUDED

Thomas Olson

Sent Flowers

Kendall Inglese

November 28, 2016

What an honor it has been to have known and seen John with his 'tried and true' spirit during his years serving the Town of Lynnfield. He taught so many of us to serve by example with his full hearted dedication and dignified perseverance. He paved the way for a great Lynnfield for many generations. He could bring opposites together in ways that made all forget the conflict. John insisted to pull everyone into his engaging stories, and did so with ease and grace. Many of his younger days at the 'four corners' he would share with delight to ensure we all would remember the identity and strength of the old Lynnfield ways. My favorite was the one about Starlight Ballroom in 1940 being rained out, and how you could hear the trumpet of Harry James in the Town Hall on the Common, the rain would not stop the horns or the dancing! While he served in many capacities including Finance Committee, Chair of Zoning Board of Appeals, Chairman of the Senior Center Building Committee, Board of Directors of LIFE, Commissioner of Lynnfield's Center Water District, Rotary and his calming role as Asst. Town Moderator, he was a sturdy leader for the town causes, and never failed to sign off 'Toodle Ooo' which meant 'keep the faith'. Lindsay and the family, including the ten grandsons! what a legacy you have to look up to forever. He will be missed forever, but he has left behind solid ground in so many ways, and always remembered. With deepest sympathy, Kendall Inglese

Betty Wik

November 28, 2016

I am sorry to hear of John's passing. I knew him long ago as a little girl and remember him well as a very very nice adult. His family was fortunate to have had him for so many years.
With sympathy, Betty Bear Wik (cousin of Ruthie Barr Weick)

Bradford Eaton

November 27, 2016

John Calvin Smith: It's time to say goodbye for now, hoping we meet up again in the future. I consider myself privileged & lucky to have experienced 45+ years with you as my Step Father. You were the real deal (hard worker, intelligent, successful, engaged, loyal, humorous, family oriented and most important trust-worthy. Your word was your honor. Thank you for your love, guidance and your incredible sense of humor. L.O.L

- Bradford Bishop Eaton, Family, Groton MA , Nov 26,2016

Debbie Eaton

November 25, 2016

Dear Leslie, Gary, Lindsay and families,
I met John 28 years ago when I married into the family. John has kept me laughing ever since then. I have never met someone that enjoyed life and everyone around him to the fullest like John did.
I had the chance to see him in his role as a father, grandfather and as a husband an he excelled in all!
My husband was his stepson, however he was always treated as if he was John's son. My children have always known him as "Grandpa John" and John couldn't have been more loving towards them.
Then there is me, his step-daughter-in-law. Knowing that I like to joke around with him, John seemed to really enjoy keeping me on my toes, with jokes and funny phrases which he did right up until the end of his life.
My family and I are better for having been in his life and we will try to go forward with the same attitude and joie de vivre as he did. My prayers go out to Leslie, Gary and Lindsay . Love, Debbie

Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results

McDonald Funeral Home - Wakefield

19 Yale Avenue, Wakefield, MA 01880

Make a Donation
in John Smith's name

How to support John's loved ones
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Poems of Mourning and Comfort

The best poems for funerals, memorial services, and cards.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief

Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.

Read more
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
Ways to honor John Smith's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more

Sign John Smith's Guest Book

Not sure what to say?

December 6, 2016

Karen Brunett posted to the memorial.

December 5, 2016

John Crowley posted to the memorial.

November 29, 2016

Jay Kimball posted to the memorial.