John J. Smith

John J. Smith, 83, died Wednesday, March 9, 2016 at Coastal Carolina Hospital. Mr. Smith was born on September 6, 1932 in Newark, NJ, the son of the late John E. Smith and Emilie B. Spanner Smith. He was a 1955 graduate of the University of Notre Dame. He was a veteran of the United States Air Force, where he served as a pilot. He was a teacher for 28 years with the Commack, NY school system. While living in New York, he coached little league in St. James and also coached wrestling with Commack Jr. High School. He was a member of St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church where he was active with the welcoming committee. Mr. Smith is survived by his loving wife of 56 years, Kathleen “Kate” Smith; sons, John Joseph Smith of Chesapeake, MD, Kevin Edward Smith (Nan) of Kildeer, IL, and James Michael Smith (Kerry) of Yardville, NJ; daughter, Maureen Anne Mackara (Steven) of Townsend, DE; grandchildren, Kaitlin B. Mackara, Stephanie E. Mackara, John Walter Mackara, Kevin Connor Smith, Julia Moreland Smith, Ally Smith, and Amelia Rose Smith; and great-grandson, Arlen. The family will be receiving friends from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m., Sunday, March 13, 2016 at Sauls Funeral Home, 90 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton, SC 29910. A funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m., Monday, March 14, 2016 at St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church, 333 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC 29909. In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to the University of Notre Dame, Class of 1955 Scholarship Fund, c/o Paul Fullmer, 87 Heatherdowns Lane, Galena, IL 61036 or the St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church Building Fund, 333 Fording Island Road, Bluffton, SC 29909.