Geneseo: At age 85, Jack passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 28, 2021 at the Teresa House in Geneseo. He was born in Macedon, NY to the late Frederick and Kathleen Smith. Jack is predeceased by his great grandson, Ryan C. Keller. Survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Betty J. Smith, his sons; Jeffrey (Lisa) Smith, Craig Smith, Mark (Pam) Smith, his brothers; Frederick (Parania) Smith, Daniel (Roberta) Smith, his grandchildren; Lindsay (Adam) Keller, Justin (Whitney) Smith, John Smith, Riley Smith, Jake Smith, Molly Smith, and his great grandchildren; Thomas, Stella, and Kendrick, along with several nieces, nephews and friends.
Jack was a U.S. Army veteran and a graduate of SUNY Brockport. He taught Physical Education for 31 years at Rush-Henrietta Central School, retiring in 1992. He was the Varsity Baseball coach for 20 years, with 5 County championships, one Section V championship and over 200 wins. In 12 years of coaching girls’ soccer, his teams had over 100 wins and one County championship. Jack was active in youth sports, serving as Director of the RHAA Summer Baseball program for several years. Jack also started the Vince Lombardi Football program in Livonia in 1973, a program that continues today as the Livonia Jr. Bulldog program. Jack was an avid N.Y. Yankees fan as well as a loyal Buffalo Bills fan. In his retirement Jack and Betty enjoyed traveling the world. He also enjoyed playing Sr. Softball in St. Petersburg, Fl. during the winter and Sr. Softball in Irondequoit during the summer. Florida was his happy place. Above all he loved his grandchildren, never missing an opportunity to talk (some would say “brag”) about their successes.
Friends and family are invited to call from 3-6PM on Thursday, December 9, 2021 at the Kevin W. Dougherty Funeral Home, 21 Big Tree Street in Livonia, where Jack’s memorial service will take place at 11 AM on Friday, December 10, 2021. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to: _The Teresa House, 21 Highland Rd, Geneseo, NY 14454 or to the Jack Smith Memorial Scholarship, P.O. Box 466, Livonia, NY, 14487. To share a memory or a condolence, please visit: www.doughertyfuneralhomes.com.
So sorry to here about Jack’s passing. I have a lot of great memories, of the old RHAA days and having Jack as my ball coach for RH.
Coach Smith was a class act! I was fortunate to play for him from 1986-88 at RH and in the RHAA summer program. He knew the rules inside and out, challenged umpires and made them overturn calls several times. Cool, calm, collected at all times, but also inspired us to play our best. He was a real champion of mine and helped shape me as a person. As a lefty, he loved to have me drag bunt when they least expected it…Beat Fairport with that move! I’m proud to say he selected me to serve as co-captain with Hans Blatter when Roth and Sperry merged. That team did well and many of the sophomores on that team went on to win the Section 5 title in 1990. Hans and I are best of friends still today. Coach Smith was a gentleman and a leader! My sincere condolences to his family. Rest In Peace and God Speed!
Sending thoughts and prayers to Betty and the whole family.A truly great man, teacher, coach, and better person. Enjoyed coaching against and with Jack over the years. Remember the great times together!
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I got to know Jack while playing senior softball for him for eight years at McAvoy Park in Irondequoit. Great guy with a great sense of humor. My sincerest condolences. May you be embraced by warm memories of times spent with him.
Very sorry Betty; have such fond memories of our childhood days in Macedon and later as teammates with Pal-Mac. He was a great guy, a real competitor and a superb athlete. May he rest in Peace.
My sincere condolences to Betty and family. Jack was a team mate of mine for 3 years on the football, basket ball and baseball teams at Pal-Mac. Not only was he a fine player, but a fine team player. I can still picture his dad standing up in the bleachers and yelling at the ref’s as he thought they had mad a bad call against our team. I enjoyed my journey though that time in my life with Jack. May you Rest in Peace. I will catch up with you on the other side.
Jack was such a wonderful person, full of life and a pleasure to be in his company. Nice memories of us all in MBYCC with happy times. Our condolences to you.
Dear Betty, Jeff, Craig, and Mark,
We are so saddened by Jack’s passing. He has touched so many lives in such positive ways, through his teaching, coaching, and most of all, his friendships. You, his family, were his greatest joy and love. The warm memories we have of Jack will always bring a smile to our faces.Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Sue and John
Mark and Family,You are in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. My heart is broken, and I am very sorry for your loss! Jack will be missed dearly! Jack was a wonderful man with a great sense of humor. He will be greatly missed in the Rochester Senior Softball Community that he was such a large part of! I was blessed to have known Jack and to have been able to call him a friend! I truly enjoyed playing softball for him at McAvoy Park! God Bless!
Sending deep love and sympathy to my wonderful Aunt Betty and my cousins, Jeff, Craig, and Mark. You all know more than anyone how wonderful my Uncle Jack was; I’m so proud of the life he lived and the legacy of love and strength of character he leaves. Love you Uncle Jack See later alligator
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. I’m sure Betty and the family have lots of good memories. My condolences to Betty and the family. Love Peggy
My sincere condolences to the entire Smith family. Coach, “Thank You” and may you rest in peace.
A wonderful friend and all round person. Loved life and being with friends at MBYCC for years. Our hearts and prayers go out to Betty and the family. He will truly be missed.
Sad to hear of Jack’s passing. Although we’ve only known him for 4 winters in Florida he certainly touched our hearts with his kindness and sense of humor. Despite our being Red Sox fans there will be a Yankee cap that we will deeply miss not seeing this year and in the future.Our hearts go out to you and your family Betty. Diane and Jim LaPlante
So sorry for your loss Smith family. Remember him from when our grandson played sports
So sorry for your loss Smith family. Remember him when his grandson and mine played sports together
My heart and thoughts are wit the Smith family at this time of loss.Phil Bracchi
I am so sorry to hear of Jack”s passing. He was always the gentleman, sports enthusiast and loving family man. He will be missed! My heartfelt sympathy to Betty and all his family.
Sad Day, Jack was a great guy! Will miss him at the baseball field! Prayers go out to the Smith family!
My thoughts are with my best friend Craig and his Mom, Betty. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Jack for over 20 years. Although we didn’t see him often. But when we did, he was one of a kind. Great Dad and a wonderful husband. Morag and I lit a candle last night. Rest easy Jack… Craig and the Boys will look after Betty. .. Kevin
Sending our deepest sympathy to Betty and all the family. We will miss seeing him sitting at his corner table at the pool in Madeira Beach. God Rest your dear soul Jack. ??
Dear Betty and family … our hearts are saddened to learn of Jack’s passing and send our sympathy and love to you at this difficult time. So many in Livonia have been blessed to have known Jack and his positive influence . Know that you all in our prayers and thoughts. God Bless.Dave and Mary Jo Dussault
Are prayers are with Betty and family.A wonderful neighbor in the Center. Jim and Rita Clar
Betty and family, you are in our thoughts and prayers. Jack was a good friend and coach. I enjoyed our time playing and coaching softball together in Irondequoit. He will be missed.
My sincere condolences to the Smith family.
So sorry to hear of Jack’s passingWe always enjoyed him at the Surfside events. Our condolences to Betty and family
So very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My thoughts go out to the entire family. Know he was very loved by you all and you will miss him terriblyKathy Wesley
Jeff and Lisa,, Craig, Mark, Mrs Smith, sending my thoughts and prayers to you all. Mr Smith was a heck of a football coach to those of us lucky to have played for the Livonia Vikings.
My heart is broken. Jack will be missed by so many. I’m thinking of all the Smith’s and sending my love and prayers.He loved his family and was such a role model. His life lives on in all his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Love you Betty!