John A. Smith

It is with deep sorrow, we announce that John A. Smith, 83, known to many as "Smitty," of Templeton, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on November 3, 2024. John was born in Fitchburg, MA on July 11, 1941, to the late Francis and Henrietta (Hetnik) Smith. 

John was a devoted husband to his wife of 61 years, Stella A. (Matusewicz) Smith, of Templeton and a supportive father to his sons, Thomas J. Smith and his wife Cristal of Templeton and James A. Smith and his wife Deborah of Palm Harbor, FL. He was a generous grandfather to Piper, Lachlan, Sullivan, Sawyer, Daniel, Timothy, and Matthew; as well as to several nieces, nephews and cousins. John was preceded in death by his parents, Francis and Henrietta, and his brothers, Francis Jr. and Philip Smith.

John graduated from Narragansett Regional High School in Baldwinville with the Class of 1960.

Following in his father's footsteps, John was employed for many years at Seaman Paper Company in Otter River prior to retiring in 2003. He was previously employed as a pallet maker at A & W Lumber in Templeton for over 20 years and started his working career at Nichols and Stone in Gardner.

He was a lifetime member of the Otter River Sportsman's Club where, along with Frankie and Phil, he put on legendary clam bakes and bar-b-ques, played cards, and danced the polka with Stella at the annual Polish Picnic. John also served his community for over 30 years as a member of the Templeton Fire Department. He was a past member of the Templeton Lions Club. In his free time, John enjoyed hunting, fishing, and was a passionate fan of the Red Sox, Patriots, Celtics, and Bruins. 

He will be remembered for his generosity to anyone in need, his sense of humor and his dedication to his family. John will also be remembered for his love of country music, especially Dolly Parton and Johnny Cash as well as his desire to win at his weekly football pool. 

A calling hour will be held from 8:30AM to 9:30AM, on Monday, November 11th at the Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central Street in Gardner, MA., followed by a funeral service at 9:30AM. Burial services will be held immediately following at the Greenlawn Cemetery, Bridge St in Baldwinville. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Winchendon Fire Department Gift Account, 405 Central St, Winchendon, MA 01475 or the Templeton Fire Department Gift Account, 2 School St, Baldwinville, MA 01436. Please reference in memory of John A. Smith.

We invite you to share your memories of John, and upload photos to his memorial page at www.mackfamilyfh.com, to continue celebrating the life of a man who gave so much to those around him.

Mack Family Funeral Home, 105 Central St., Gardner is directing arrangements.

Kevin J. Mack, Waler C. Taylor Directors