Rev. John Richard "Father John" Smith

Rev. John Richard Smith, "Father John", retired United Methodist Minister of Easthampton, MA, passed away on March 18, 2010. He was born October 12, 1936 in Tewksbury, MA to the late Violet V. Rolf. A devoted family man, he is survived by his wife of 51 years, Shirley (Salsman) Smith and daughters, Aimee Smith of Easthampton and Arlana Smith of Florence, MA. He is also survived by brothers, Marcus Smith and wife Jane of Westminster, MA, Edison Smith of Clinton, CT, sisters, Marcia Mattos and her husband William of Winchendon, MA, Joan Stone and her husband Gary of Nashville, TN, as well as brother-in-law, Robert Salsman of Rochdale, MA and several nieces and nephews.

Rev. Smith grew up in East Templeton, MA and was a 1954 graduate of Templeton High School. He received his local preacher's license in 1955 before receiving his B.A., cum laude, from Union College in Barbourville, KY in 1958. He served in the Army National Guard until his Honorable Discharge in 1961. Rev. Smith graduated from Drew University School of Theology with a Master of Divinity in 1963 and became a fully ordained minister of the New England United Methodist Conference that same year. A dynamic, passionate pastor and preacher, Rev. Smith served parishes for 41 years in Gloucester, MA, Cotuit, MA, Agawam, MA, Northampton, MA, and Mansfield, CT, retiring from the Dalton, MA United Methodist Church in 2002. In retirement, Rev. Smith served as Interim Pastor at the Williamsburg, MA and Florence Congregational Churches and attended Christ United Methodist Church in Northampton.

As a young man, Rev. Smith was active in Church Programs and Youth Summer Camps, and later became a Salt Water Fishing Camp Leader for the UMC. Rev. Smith was an energetic and enthusiastic participant in sporting, singing, and dancing events. He enjoyed studying and debating History and Political Science and was a long time member of the Springfield Stamp Club. He embraced life to the fullest and always enjoyed the company of his family and friends.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 2pm at Christ United Methodist Church, 271 Rocky Hill Rd (Route 66), Northampton, with a potluck reception to follow. The "Fr. John" Campership Fund has been established to assist church youth with summer camp costs. In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to: Christ United Methodist Church, marked Campership Fund, P.O. Box 701, Northampton, MA 01061.

The Walter Mitchell Funeral Home in Easthampton is in charge of arrangements.