“beloved father, grandfather, and brother”

John H. Smith, 78, of Port Allegany, formerly of Austin, passed away surrounded by his loving family on Thursday, March 16, 2023, in Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, after a short illness.

Born on Friday, July 7, 1944 in Coudersport, he was a son of George and Juanita Clinton Smith.

John was a graduate of Austin Area High School.  He was employed for over 35 years by National Fuel Gas in Wharton.

John was a member of the Austin United Methodist Church, a life member of the Austin Fire Department and Ambulance Association, a member and past master of Arcana Lodge #580 F. & A.M. in Austin, a member of the Coudersport Consistory, and a member of the Cameron County Country Club.  He was an avid golfer, hunter and fisherman. 

He loved animals and was a generous donor to the McKean County SPCA and while visiting in Florida, John always went to Dogs and Cats Forever, a no kill shelter, donating to them as well.  His greatest love was his family.

Left to cherish his memory are a daughter, Annette (David) Carr of Coudersport; a son, Wade (Michelle) Smith of Port St. Lucie, Florida; three grandchildren, Brittany M. (Harry Hooftallen) Simms, Benjamin Simms, and Emily Simms; a great-granddaughter, Molly J. Hooftallen; a sister, Rebecca S. Anthony of Lakeland, FL; a niece; and his caregiver/companion, Betty Springer.

In addition to his parents, John was predeceased by a sister, Esther Smith.

Family and friends may call from 4pm to 6pm on Monday, March 20, 2023, in the Austin United Methodist Church, Turner Street, Austin, where a celebration of life will follow at 6pm with Pastor Todd Lamer of the Austin United Methodist Church and Pastor Donald Caskey of the First Presbyterian Church in Coudersport, officiating.  Burial will be next to his mother in the Odin Cemetery.

Members of Arcana Lodge #580 will conduct a Masonic memorial service at 5:45pm in the church on Monday.

In lieu of flowers, memorials in John’s name may be made to the McKean County SPCA, 80 Glenwood Ave, Bradford, PA 16701 or to the Austin Fire and Ambulance Association, PO Box 328, Austin, PA 16720.

John’s family has entrusted his care and cremation arrangements to Kevin J. Dusenbury, funeral director/owner of the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home, Shinglehouse.

To express condolences, light a candle, or share a fond memory of John, please visit www.virgillhowardfuneralhome.com or the Virgil L. Howard Funeral Home Facebook page.