OBITUARIES

John Hugh Smith, 67, St. Margaret’s minister

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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 March 17, 2023, at Lawrence Hospital in Bronxville.

He was 67.

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

He earned a bachelor’s degree in accounting at CUNY, and an MBA in finance from  Manhattan College. 

He worked for several noteworthy financial institutions, particularly Chase Manhattan Bank and Credit Suisse as a senior financial analyst.

Devoted to his parish and community, he 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 Aug. 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.

He 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 him as “the brother she never had.”

It is a fine testament to his love and thoughtfulness. 

A wake was held at Riverdale-on-Hudson Funeral Home on March 23 followed by a Mass of Christian burial at St. Margaret of Cortona Church on March 24.

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 Hugh Smith’s memory to the St. Francis Breadline. He deeply believed in the mission and ministry of the Franciscans. 

To donate online, visit tinyurl.com/4dnxvvaa.

John Hugh Smith, St. Margaret of Cortona Church, Covid-19, Eucharistic minister,