Obituary of John E. Smith

GOUVERNEUR - John E. Smith, age 64, of Gouverneur, passed away on December 18, 2012 at Claxton-Hepburn Hospital, Ogdensburg. There will be a calling hour at French Funeral Home, Gouverneur on Saturday, December 22, 2012 from 12:00 - 1:00 p.m. His funeral service will immediately follow at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with Father Stephen Rocker officiating. Burial will be at a later date in St. Mary's Cemetery, Dekalb. Online condolences may be made at www.frenchfuneralhomes.com John was born on March 1, 1948 in Massena to the late James Edward Smith and Grace (Way) Bradley. He served his country in the U.S. Army from 1968 until 1970, completing two tours in Vietnam as a medic. He married Marlene E. Nichols on June 7, 1986. The couple have lived in Gouverneur for their whole married lives. John worked as an L.P.N. for E.J. Noble Hospital in Gouverneur until becoming disabled. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus and was a former part-time Justice of the Peace in Gouverneur. In his free time, John enjoyed camping and playing tennis. His survivors include his wife, Marlene E. Smith; his daughter, Kiara S. Smith; and many siblings, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews. Donations given in memory of John may go to the Vets Peer to Peer Outreach Center, 724 State St., Watertown NY 13601.