John W. "Jack" Smith, born on August 7, 1949, in Newburgh, NY, passed away on January 17, 2025. He was the son of the late Arthur Smith and Loretta (Gogerty) Smith. He grew up in Newburgh, where he attended the Newburgh Enlarged City School District.
In 1967, John joined the United States Marine Corps, proudly serving his country. A combat Vietnam veteran in 1968-1969, where he achieved the rank of Sergeant in two years. Following his Vietnam service, John was selected to join the esteemed 8th & I Marine Barracks in Washington, D.C., where he served on the Presidential Marine detail at the White House, Blair House, and Camp David under President Richard Nixon.
After an honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, John began a 23-year career with the Town of Newburgh Police Department. He was the town's first Youth Officer and was later promoted to detective, a role he loved. John contributed to solving high-profile cases, earning mentions in books and an appearance on the Dominick Dunne Show on Court TV. Always humble, he credited his success to teamwork with local and federal officers, many of whom became close friends.
In retirement, John volunteered with St. Patrick’s Soup Kitchen, the Senior Dining Program, and the Town of Newburgh Recreation Advisory Board. He was also a member of the New Windsor, American Legion Post 1796, VFW, Vietnam Veterans of America, and the Marine Corps Association. John was also a certified open water scuba diver
Above all, John’s greatest joy was his family. He loved traveling with his wife, Roseanne, attending the annual Marine Corps reunions with Whiskey Battery 1-12, and spending precious time with his grandchildren, who were the light of his life.
John is survived by his loving wife of nearly 50 years, Roseanne (Bell) Smith; his sons, Gerald Smith (Kathy) and John Smith II (Kelly); and his cherished grandchildren, Austin, Brooke, Addison, John “Jack,” and Liam Smith. He is also survived by his brother, Arthur F. Smith (Louise); his mother-in-law, Rose Bell; many nieces, nephews, and cousins. He was predeceased by his parents and his sisters, Joan Spampinato, Jean Foster, and Patricia Cline.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 21, 2025, from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at White, Venuto & Morrill Funeral and Cremation Service, 188 North Plank Road, Newburgh, NY.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 am, on Wednesday, January 22, 2025 at Our Lady of the Lake Chapel, 433 South Plank Road (Rt. 52), Town of Newburgh, NY.
Burial to follow at Orange County Veterans Memorial Cemetery, 111 Craigville Road, Goshen, NY.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Make-A-Wish Foundation, St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, or the Special Olympics of New York.