John Francis SMITH

SMITH, John Francis John Francis Smith, 86, of Newington, beloved husband of Sally (Grzegorzek) Smith, died Wednesday, (March 17, 2010). Born in New Britain in 1923 to the late William and Mary (Lynch) Smith, he lived in Newington for over 50 years and was a member of St. Mary's Church. After graduating New Britain High School in 1941, he served with the 67th Fighter Wing in England. After serving his country, he graduated from the Teachers College (C.C.S.U.) in 1949, with a Bachelor's Degree, a Master's Degree from Columbia in 1952, and a 6th year Certificate in Administration from the University of Hartford. John spent his career as a teacher and public school administrator. He taught Industrial Arts at Torrington and New Britain High Schools before becoming principal at Roosevelt Jr. High School in 1961. He was principal at Roosevelt for 17 years and later became principal at Pulaski High School in 1978 until it closed in 1982. John then became principal of New Britain High School until he retired in 1988. He was coach of the cross country team at New Britain High School in 1958 when they became state champs. In 1960, the team became New England champs in track and field and he, along with Coach Irving Black, were rewarded with a trip to the Olympics in Rome, Italy by the city of New Britain. John enjoyed winters in Florida and many cruises and was an avid golfer and bowler. Besides his wife, Sally, he leaves his daughters, Kathleen S. Griffin and Jack of Newington, and Karen A. Place and David of West Hartford; four grandchildren, Jack Griffin, Jr., Colleen Griffin, Amanda Place and Robert Place; and his brother, Robert Smith of New Britain. He was predeceased by his sisters, Margaret Flanagan and Jean Smith. John's funeral service will be held Monday, 9 a.m., from the Newington Memorial Funeral Home, 20 Bonair Ave., Newington, followed by a Mass of Christian Burial, 10 a.m., at St. Mary's Church, Newington. Burial, with military honors, will follow in St. Mary Cemetery, New Britain. Family and friends are invited to call on Sunday from 4-7 p.m., at Newington Memorial. John's family would like to sincerely thank the nurses and staff at Arden Courts in Farmington and the McLean Hospice for the special care and compassion they gave to John during his stay there. Memorial donations may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, 279 New Britain Rd., Suite 5, Kensington, CT. To share a memory with his family, please visit us at www. newingtonmemorial.com.