Obituary of John Russel Smith, Jr.

He was born in Norristown on May 24, 1925 to Ella (Long) and John Russel Smith, Sr.  John grew up in Conshohocken, graduating from Conshohocken High School in 1942. 

He enlisted in the Navy at age 17 and served during World War II aboard the U.S.S. Enterprise in the South Pacific, where he was a radio/gunner.    He was injured when his plane crashed into the sea, but he enjoyed his recovery time in a luxury hotel in Hawaii. 

After the war, John attended Penn State College (now University) where he graduated with a degree in Forestry.  He worked nearly 40 years for the State of Pennsylvania in the Department of Forest and Waters (now DCNR). 

John met his future wife, Thelma Apel, at a dance in 1950.  They married in 1951 and had nearly 65 years together before Thelma’s passing in 2016.  John and Thelma raised their family in the Lower Providence-Worcester area.  They were active members of Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church.  John retired in 1990 and did volunteer work with InterFaith Food Pantry in Norristown.  John and Thelma moved to the Schwenksville area in 2006 to in-law quarters at their youngest daughter’s home.       

John is survived by three children: Marilyn Herczeg (late Stephen), Steven (Meg) Smith, and Lorraine (David) Dingley; five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and his beloved rescue cat, Oscar. 

A Memorial Service for John will be held on Saturday, November 2 at Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, 1921 W. Main St., Norristown, PA 19403.  The family will receive visitors on Saturday morning from 10:00 AM to 10:45 AM in the Church. 

Interment will follow in the adjoining church cemetery. 

Memorial donations may be made to the Outreach House at St. James Episcopal Church, to Jeffersonville Presbyterian Church, or to any pet rescue.  

Arrangements by Moore, Snear & Ruggiero Funeral Home, 224 W. Main St., Trappe, PA 19426 (610) 489-7900 www.msrfh.com