It is with deep sorrow the family of John Hugh Smith announces his passing after a lengthy illness stemming from COVID-related complications. Surrounded by his family, he died on March 17, 2023 at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville at the age of 67. 

A native of New York City, John was born on May, 10 1955 in Manhattan to the late Hugh John Smith and Teresa Elaine DeRienzo. Raised in the Morris Park section of The Bronx, he attended Our Lady of Solace Grammar School and Cardinal Hayes High School. 

John earned a B.S. in Accounting and an MBA in Finance from the City University of New York and Manhattan College, respectively.  

John worked for several noteworthy financial institutions in the City of New York, particularly Chase Manhattan Bank and Credit Suisse as a Senior Financial Analyst. 

Devoted to his parish and community, John served as a Eucharistic Minister at St. Margaret of Cortona Church for a number of years. He was also a member of the American Irish Association of Westchester County. 

Left to mourn his death is his devoted and faithful wife, Mary Patricia (née Marshall), of 35 years, whom he married on August 22, 1987 at St. Margaret’s. The bereaved include his loving sons, Joseph Hugh and Christopher John, for whom he set a sterling example of kindness, patience, and generosity. 

John is also survived by his sister Jane (Joseph) Jerabek, nephews Joseph (Brandi) Jerabek and James (Carolyn) Jerabek, grandnephews, Joseph and James, and grandnieces Riley and Nicole. 

He will be deeply missed by his sister-in-law, Catherine T. Marshall. She was fond of referring to John as “the brother she never had.” It is a fine testament to his love and thoughtfulness.  

A wake for John will be held at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home on Thursday, March 23rd from 3 to 7 pm. A Mass of Christian of Burial will be offered at St. Margaret of Cortona Church on Friday, March 24th at 9:45 am. Burial to follow at St. Joseph’s Cemetery, Yonkers NY..

The family wishes to express its gratitude to the faculty, administration, staff, and students of St. Margaret of Cortona School and St. Joseph’s Seminary for its thoughtfulness, prayers, and support during this very difficult time. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial gifts be made in John’s memory to the St. Francis Breadline. John deeply believed in the mission and ministry of the Franciscan, 144 West 32nd Street, New York, NY 10001, phone (212) 564-8799

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