John "Jack" H. Smith

John “Jack” H. Smith, 78, passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025.

Jack grew up in Port Schuyler, Watervliet, right next to Red’s Field. He loved to tell stories of growing up in a time when you could bring your hunting dog and shotgun to school—leaving the gun with the principal—so you could go hunting on your way home.

After high school, Jack joined the Army and proudly served in Vietnam as a gunsmith. When he returned home, he married the love of his life, Irene, and together they built a beautiful life with their three children: Teri Smith, Kristi (Jim) Clark, and D.J. (Emily) Smith.

Jack worked hard all his life—first at Adirondack Steel, then at the Watervliet Arsenal—and even ran his own gun shop for a time.

He was happiest outdoors: hunting, trapping, shooting, or watching his kids play sports. He was a proud member of the Watervliet Rod and Gun Club, where you could always find him shooting or just chatting with the guys.

Twenty years ago, Jack and Irene moved from Watervliet to Glenville, where they continued their adventures—riding with their Harley buddies, traveling, and cheering on their grandkids at every game, concert, or event.

Jack is survived by his three children, 11 grandchildren, and his newest “girlfriend,” his great-granddaughter Evelyn, who filled his days with joy, laughter, and love.

We find comfort in knowing Jack is now reunited with Irene and his “long-legged blonde,” his dog Riis.

We will love you forever, talk about you often, and miss you always.

Calling hours will be held at New Comer Cremations & Funerals, 181 Troy Schenectady Road, Watervliet, NY 12189 on Sunday, October 12, 2025 from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Burial will be the following day, Monday, October 13th, 2025 at 10:00am at Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery, 200 Duell Rd, Schuylerville, NY 12871.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jacks name to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/donate-to-st-jude.html