John H. Smith, 66, of 16959 Jerusalem Corners Road, Pleasantville, died peacefully, at his home, on Tuesday, Dec. 24, 2013.
He was born on Oct. 10, 1947, to the late Hilary and Bernenice Wyant Smith, in Ridgway.
John was a graduate of Elk County Christian High School, Class of 1965.
He attended Gannon University, where he graduated with a B.S. in accounting.
John was a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Germany during the Vietnam War.
John moved to Pleasantville, in 1971, where he worked for GTE/Sylvania, in Titusville and Warren, for 10 years.
He joined Liberty Electronics, in Franklin, as one of the first employees. John was instrumental in the growth and success of the company, where he worked in various accounting and management positions of increasing responsibility. He was a member of the board of directors until his time of death.
Even though John had a full-time business career, he enjoyed working on his farm, where he raised beef cattle. He grew and processed all feed for his animals, and provided oats, corn, silage and grain to neighbors. His reputation for quality and fairness was far-reaching.
John’s love of animals was evidenced by the care he provided to them, even individually naming every cow born on his farm.
His love for his collie dogs was immeasurable — Buddy and Ike are his remaining pets.
He was an active member of the Catholic Community of Titusville.
John is survived by four siblings: a brother, William, and wife Sarah (Fisher) Smith, of St. Marys; three sisters, Donna Herzing and husband, James, of St. Marys, Marilyn Mitcheltree and husband, Dennis, of Ridgway, and Catherine Ginivisian and husband, Peter, of Chelmsford, Mass.; numerous nieces, nephews and his many friends.
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Friday, at 11 a.m., at St. Walburga’s Church, 120 Brook St., Titusville, with Fr. Walter E. Packard, pastor of the Catholic Community of Titusville, as celebrant.
Private interment services will be held at St. Leo’s Cemetery, in Ridgway.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Venango County Humane Society, 744 Liberty St., Franklin, Pa., 16323; Hospice of Crawford County Inc., 301 N. Monroe St., Titusville, Pa., 16354.
If you wish to leave a condolence for the family, go to Garrett Funeral Home