John “Jack” Smyth of Horsham, PA passed away on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, peacefully at home.  Jack had just celebrated his 88th birthday.  Jack is the dear husband of Rita(Smyth).  

Born in Philadelphia, PA, he was the son of the late, John and Mary Smyth (Kean). Jack and his siblings, Marie (deceased), Theresa (deceased), Joe (deceased) and Eileen are affectionately known as the “Big 5” in the Smyth Clan.  

Jack was a graduate of North Catholic High School, the class of 1955, and would often tell tales or joke about being JUG to his children and grandchildren. Following graduation, Jack joined the Army Reserves.  Having scored the highest score in his reserve unit for his rifle skills, Jack was offered and did additional training with an active Army Unit. His reserve time was extended due to the Bay of Pigs invasion, but he was fortunate to never see combat.  Not sure which career direction to go in, his father told him he was going to be a plumber, so that was that.  Jack was a proud member of the Plumbers Union Local 690, spending most of his career as Head Foreman and finishing his career in a supervisor role before retiring.

A man of service and community, Jack joined the Horsham Fire Department.  As his commitment to the department grew, he became a lieutenant and eventually Battalion Chief of Battalion II, on Horsham Road.  After 20 plus years with the department, he retired as a lifetime member.  With some time now on his hands, Jack decided to dedicate the following years to his parish and faith, joining the Knights of Columbus at St. Catherine’s of Sienna.   As with all he did, Jack took his role with the Knights to heart, aiding in supporting their many charities and parish commitments.  Jack earned the honor of a Fourth Degree Knight of Columbus, living out his Catholic faith and love of country.    

Jack loved to fish, hunt and of course had a love (hate) relationship with the Philadelphia Eagles. 

He is survived by his wife Rita (DeLisle), in addition to his children, John, MaryBeth, Michael, Patti and David (Jennifer) and grandchildren, Amber (John), Nicholas (Shelby), Drew Hannah (Eric), Emily, Gina, David Jr., Shawn, Owen, and Ryan as well as his sister, Eileen (Craig). 

Funeral services will on Wednesday, December 4, 2024, at St. Catherine’s of Sienna located at 321 Witmer Road, Horsham, PA 19044.  A Catholic mass will immediately follow a 10:00 AM – 11:30 AM viewing.   His interment will be private.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made online to Saint Joseph Villa, Sisters of Saint Joseph, Chestnut Hill, PA. www.stjosephvilla.org

Condolences and memories may be shared with the family by visiting the funeral home website; Schneider Funeral Home, Hatboro, www.schneiderfuneralhom.net