John W. Smith

1927 - 09

John William "Smitty" Smith, 80, of Latrobe, died peacefully Thursday, Jan. 17, 2008, at home, surrounded by his family. Born Sept. 12, 1927, in Timblin, he was the son of the late John and Anna Smith. John was the owner of Smith's Service on Hillview Avenue, Latrobe, and a graduate of Punxsutawney High School. He also attended Villanova College and Vale Tech. A World War II veteran, he served in the Navy. John also was employed by Teledyne Vasco as a maintenance foreman until his retirement in 1991. A lifelong learner, his postretirement years included many new activities, such as operating a backhoe and working as a school bus driver for Laidlaw. His many musical talents included a wonderful singing voice and the ability to play the accordion, mandolin and piano. John was a true "jack-of-all-trades," gardener, animal and nature lover, and neighbor to all. John was a member of St. Mary's Byzantine Catholic Church in Bradenville, where he loved to greet members as they entered the church. Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by three grandchildren. He is survived by his loving wife of 51 years, Rose Marie (Waggel) Smith, of Latrobe; five daughters, Christine Holet and husband, Robert, of Virginia, Cynthia Nakpil and husband, Albert, of State College, Cheryl Hull and husband, Walter "Bucky," of Derry, Coreen Poklembo and husband, Jeff, of Derry, and Caryn Dettling and husband, Geary, of Derry; a sister, Mary Alice Keefe, of Latrobe; 11 grandchildren, Julie Rose, William and Joseph Nakpil, Ben, Esther, Abby and Lydia Hull, Sarah Rose Poklembo, Geary, Levi and Justin Andrew Dettling; and a number of nieces, nephews and cousins. Family and friends will be received from 7 to 9 p.m. Saturday and from 3 to 5 and 7 to 9 p.m. Sunday in the JOHN J. LOPATICH FUNERAL HOME INC., 601 Weldon St., Latrobe. Parastas service at 7 p.m. Sunday in the funeral home. Panachida service will be at 10:15 a.m. Monday in the funeral home, followed by Divine Liturgy at 11 a.m. in St. Mary's Byzantine Church with the Rev. Regis Dusecina as celebrant. Interment in St. Mary's Byzantine Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Excela Health Home Care & Hospice, 134 Industrial Park Road, Greensburg, PA 15601, or St. Mary's Byzantine Church, 112 St. Mary's Way, Bradenville, PA 15620. The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to all who aided in John's specific care needs; all those who made his stay at home possible, and all those who supported the family during his home care. To sign online guest book, send condolences, or to view detailed obituary information, please visit www.lopatich.com.