Jack Marie Smith, 74, a resident of Laurel Run, entered into eternal life on Sunday afternoon, April 22, 2018, at his home, surrounded by the love of his family and prayers of his friends.

His beloved wife, his “bride”, is Joanne Urban Smith. Jack and Joanne would have celebrated their 49^th wedding anniversary on October 25^th.

Born in Wilkes-Barre August 16, 1943, Jack was the first of eight children of the late John D. “Jack” Smith and Veronica McEvoy Smith.

Raised in Wilkes-Barre, Jack was a graduate of E.L. Meyers High School, Class of 1961, and continued his education at East Stroudsburg University, where he attained his Bachelor’s Degree in Health and Physical Education.

Jack served his country honorably as a United States Marine Corps Reservist.

In his early years, he was a skilled boxer and Golden Gloves Boxing Champ, who at 19 notably fought famed heavyweight and his longtime friend, Joe Frazier, at the Allentown Fairgrounds.  He knew Jack Dempsey and Floyd Patterson, and later Jack was inducted into the Wyoming Valley Boxing Hall of Fame.

Working in various capacities throughout his life, Jack’s work included a physical education teacher, track and field coach, and an executive who led teams in senior management for several companies.

A faithful member of Our Lady of Hope Parish, Wilkes-Barre, Jack was a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and a Third Order Lay Carmelite.

Jack’s very personal encounter with his Lord and the Blessed Virgin Mary led him on a 28-year journey as a missionary speaker, and he authored the book, “Now is the Time”.  During this time until his passing, he fervently spread God’s word to people around the world, traveling from South America to India several times, to New York City and other cities across the U.S. His deep fidelity to his Catholic faith, his Pro-Life work and his constant devotion to the 15-decade Rosary led to the conversion of countless people who encountered him, so many of whom were ever-changed by his sincerity, his enthusiasm, his witness, and his contagious inner joy.

In addition to his parents, Jack and Veronica Smith, Jack was preceded in death by his two year old son, Bobby, and infant daughter, Sarah.

In addition to his beloved wife, Joanne, Jack is survived by children, John Smith, Kingston; Joanne Marie Castillo, Wyoming; Shannon Ray Smith, Wilkes-Barre; and Mary Margaret Smith, Larksville; his 14 grandchildren and several great-grandchildren; his brothers and sisters, Patricia Graziosi, Hanover Township; Mary Lynn Smith, Maryland; Karen Misorek, Duryea; Michael Smith, Wilkes-Barre; James Smith, Brazil; Veronica Cobb, Texas; and Jude Smith, Carlisle; generations of nieces and nephews; and many, many dear friends.

Relatives and Friends are respectfully invited to attend Jack’s Mass of Christian Burial to be celebrated on Friday, April 27th at 10:00 AM in Our Lady of Hope of Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. The Reverend John S. Terry, Pastor, will serve as the main celebrant, and the Reverend James E. McGahagan, Pastor Emeritus of Saint Andrew’s Parish, will serve as con-celebrant and homilist.

Interment with the Rite of Committal will follow thereafter in Saint Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Hanover Township.

Family and Friends are invited to attend Jack’s viewing to be held on Thursday, April 26th, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, at Our Lady of Hope Parish, 40 Park Avenue, Wilkes-Barre. There will be an additional viewing in the church on Friday morning, from 9:00 to 9:30 AM, followed by the recitation of the Rosary.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the care of the Wroblewski Funeral Home, Inc., 1442 Wyoming Avenue, Forty Fort.

For additional information or to send the Smith Family a message of condolence, you may visit the funeral home website, www.wroblewskifuneralhome.com, or their Facebook page.

The family has kindly asked that flowers be omitted. Memorial contributions may be made in Jack’s memory to the Pennsylvanians for Human Life, Wyoming Valley Chapter, 31 Hanover Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania 18702.