John Bernard Smith

John Bernard Smith

December 27, 1939 – July 4, 2023

John Bernard (Barney) Smith, 83, of Coconut Creek, a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, and proud veteran passed away peacefully in his home on July 4, 2023, surrounded by his family.   John was a man of great integrity and faith and he modeled his life after Saint Joseph. 

He was born in Glen Cove, Long Island on December 27, 1939 to the late Theresa Ryan and Bernard W. Smith. He lived in Jamaica, New York and moved to Hornell, New York in 1945. John attended St. Ann’s Catholic School through eighth grade and graduated from Hornell High School in 1958. He then served four years in the US Army, stationed in Germany.

After his military service, he worked for the Eerie Railroad Company, followed by 29 years for Xerox Corporation. He married Barbara Louise (Sherman) Smith on January 14, 1967. He was very proud of his family and his loving marriage of 56 years to his wife Barbara. They lived in Rochester, New York; Ontario, New York; Americus, Georgia; and Coconut Creek, Florida. John and Barbara raised four children: Gregory Smith, Pamela Romero, Deborah Smith, and Cynthia Ramirez.  

John was a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, where he was an active fourth degree knight in the Knights of Columbus, serving as their comptroller for several years.  He loved serving his community and helping others.  He always put others first and made everyone around him feel welcome.  He was known for his quick wit, his great sense of humor, and his storytelling.  He enjoyed life and he believed that everyone deserved to be happy.  He thoroughly enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and was a joy to all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Barbara Smith, his son Gregory Smith of Coconut Creek, daughter Pamela (Francisco) Romero of Parkland, Florida, daughter Deborah Smith of Ashburn, Virginia, daughter Cynthia (Alejandro) Ramirez of Queens, New York, two sisters: Suzanne Wedlake and Mary Theresa (Carlos) Rodriguez and five grandchildren: Taylor Smith, Rafael Romero, Isabel Romero, Alejandra Ramirez and Daniel Ramirez.

He is preceded in death by his mother, Theresa Terry, father, Bernard Smith, his sister Sharland Weiner, and brother Stephen Terry.

Professional arrangements by:
Gary Panoch Funeral Home
6140 N. Federal Highway
Boca Raton, FL 33487
561-997-8580
www.gpanochfunerals.com

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