Obituary of John Francis Smith

John F. Smith
September 17, 1948 – March 7, 2026

John F. Smith, 77, of Voorheesville, New York, passed away after a sudden illness on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at Albany Medical Center, surrounded by his loving family. John has now been reunited with his parents and brother, whom he missed greatly.

John was born on September 17, 1948, to Joseph W. Smith and L. Louise (Swift) Smith. He was a 1966 graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and later attended Emerson College in Boston, Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Communications.

John had a lifelong love of education and a deep interest in music, radio, communications, and technology. He further pursued his passion by attending the Connecticut School of Broadcasting, following in the footsteps of his dear cousin, Nicholas “Dick” Robinson.

After graduating, John worked for 12 years as a disc jockey for several radio stations, including WFEA in Manchester, New Hampshire, and WMRC in Milford, Massachusetts. His passion for communication continued to grow, leading him to join AT&T, where he worked for 26 years in Albany and White Plains, New York.

John achieved great success in his career and was awarded a Federal Communications Commission license as a radio operator. He was also certified by the National Association of Business and Educational Radio as a Technician of Land Mobile and Private Fixed Radio Services.

John, affectionately known as “Jack,” was also known as the voice of AT&T in White Plains, providing the voice for their customer phone system for ten years.

He was an avid fan of the Buffalo Bills, the New York Yankees, and the New York Knicks. John also had a gentle heart and made certain to always feed God’s animals, especially the birds.

John’s voice carried across radio waves, phone systems, and conversations with family and friends, but the greatest impact he made was through the love he shared with those closest to him. His gentle spirit, quick wit, and caring heart will never be forgotten. Though he has left this world, his stories, laughter, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. Until we meet again, may God hold him in His eternal embrace.

John is survived by his niece and goddaughter, Linda A. Skiba (Rod Moon) of Waterford, New York; his nephew, Nicholas J. Smith Sr. (Katina Maniscalco-Smith) of Latham, New York; his niece, Amy M. Burton of Clifton Park, New York; and his niece, Karen L. Cleghorn (Bill Harris) of East Greenbush, New York.

He is also survived by his great-nieces and great-nephews: Nicole Skiba; Matthew (Emily) Skiba; Angelica Smith (April); Felicia (Caleb) Wygel; Nicholas J. Smith Jr.; Joseph Smith (Sofia); Ryan Smith (Emily); Hollie Burton (Jason); Heather Burton; Robert Cleghorn III (Grace); Nicholas Cleghorn; and Ava Cleghorn.

John was the proud great-great-uncle of Gabriel and Levi Wygel.

He also leaves behind his beloved companion of 34 years, Donnaclaire Shindhelm, along with several cousins and many lifelong friends.

John was predeceased by his parents, Joseph W. Smith and L. Louise (Swift) Smith; his only brother, Joseph J. Smith, with whom he shared a lifelong bond; and his sister-in-law, Genevieve “Ginny” Domagalski.

John’s family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to his cousin, Ellen (Wayne) Boyer, for always being there for John until the very end, praying the rosary together and sharing cherished family memories.

The family would also like to thank the Albany County Sheriff’s Department deputies and Emergency Services for their care, compassion, and prompt response. A special thank you to the staff at Albany Medical Center, including the D5 staff—Aimee, Isabelle, Marissa, and Christina—and to Brian on C3, who showed great patience and compassion while John was receiving comfort care.

John was a parishioner of St. Matthew’s Church in Voorheesville. The family extends special thanks to Father Rick for anointing John and to Christina for visiting him in the hospital.

John generously supported many organizations throughout his life, particularly local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and Christian Brothers Academy.

John’s funeral mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, March 14, 2026 at St. Mathew’s Church, 25 Mountainview St., Voorheesville.  Burial will follow at Our Lady Help of Christians Cemetery in Glenmont.  Relatives and friends are invited and may also call at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Voorheesville Friday from 4 - 7 p.m.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that donations be made to the animal shelter of your choice in John’s memory.