John L. Smith

John L. Smith, age 72 of Massillon, passed away Friday, March 13, 2009 at Hospice Care Center in Akron following a 13 month illness. John was born November 26, 1936 in Warren to the late Victor and Mary (Tombor) Smith. A graduate of Warren G. Harding High School, he played football and basketball and was recognized as an All Ohio player in both sports. John also received All American Honors in football. Sports was John's life, following high school he attended Pitt and played football before leaving the University to play with the LA Chargers in the American Football League. He was inducted into the Warren Sports Hall of Fame in 1997 for football, basketball and coaching youth sports. He owned and operated J & S Sports in the mid to late 60s and managed Mickey's Army Navy Sporting Good Department in the 70s. He was employed by River Pines Recreation Village in sales and retired in 2007 as president. He is survived by his wife of nine years, Jean Tondola-Smith; he has two children, Shirley Johnson and Michael (Karen) Smith; three step-daughters, Sheri Moustaris, Terri (Greg) Smith and Tracy (Dennis) Johnson; two brothers, Steve (Marjorie) Smith and Edward (Billie Jo) Smith; 12 grandchildren and 2 great grandchildren. A Celebration of John L. Smith's life will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday March 17, 2009 at LifeHope Community Church, Pastor Charlie Young will officiate. Committal will follow at 1:30 p.m. at All Souls Cemetery in Cortland, OH. Friends may call 5-8 p.m. Monday at the Paquelet Funeral Home in Massillon. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be sent to the LifeHope Community Church Building Fund, 7096 Hills & Dale Rd. N.W., Canton, OH 44708 or the charity of your choice. Messages of support and sympathy can be sent to the family at www.paquelet.com. Paquelet – Massillon A Golden Rule Funeral Home 330-833-3222