Nov 18, 2021

John Edward Smith, 84, a lifelong resident of South Fayette Township, passed away quietly, in his home, Monday, February 15, 2021, with his family by his side.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ruth and Adolph Smith; his brothers, Tim, Leroy and Ron; his sisters, Dee and Janet; and his infant grandson, Logan Smith.

He leaves behind his wife of 63 years, Dorothy “Margie” Smith; his children, Lynette Leasure (Ed), Rhonda Pepper, Jon Smith (Lori); his grandchildren, Gregory Leasure (Jennifer), Katelyn Pepper (David Gant), Sean Pepper (Katherine Renwick), Lucas Smith; and one great-grandchild, Levi Leasure. He is also survived by sisters, Shirley Weber, Del Poness and Debbie (Herman) Keehn; and numerous nieces and nephews.

John was an accomplished athlete in high school. He loved motorcycles and he was an outstanding dancer. At the age of 17, he joined the Navy, served on the USS Essex and saw the world.

After his naval service he worked for Heeter Printing in Bridgeville as a pressman and then went on to work for his “best friend”, Frank Rastetter, at Graphic Arts Color Corporation (GACC) in Pittsburgh. He was proud of his work and he always carried the scent of the ink from his latest job on his clothes.

More than anything, he most loved the times that he was in the woods hunting the game in season or when at any stream, lake or river, fishing for the “BIG” one that always seemed to get away. He was a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association (NRA), Ducks Unlimited, Falcon Archery Club and the National Sporting Clay Association (NSCA), taking first place in the Super Veteran Event in 2003 and in 2004, he was named to the NSCA All State Team.

Upon his retirement, he traveled extensively with his wife and friends, cut his grass with perfection and spent time in the woods at his beloved Camp Blyson with his favorite girl and loyal companion, Prissy.

The family would like to extend special thanks to his caregiver, Karen Minor and Amedisys Hospice for their compassionate care and assistance to the family.

Friends will be received from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, November 19, in Warchol Funeral Home, 3060 Washington Pike, Bridgeville, PA 15017 (412-221-3333), with a funeral service to be officiated by Pastor Brian Janssen at 10 a.m. Saturday, November 20, in the funeral home. A luncheon will immediately follow at Bethany Presbyterian Church.

The family requests no flowers, but asks that any donations be made to the Bridgeville Area Food Bank in his memory.