Biography: John Smith was born on April 13, 1966 in Metropolitan
Hospital, New York to the late Brenda Smith and Earl King. John was educated in the New York City Public School System. At an early age John gave his life to Christ and was baptized at the Memorial Baptist Church in Harlem, New York. Earlier this year, he rededicated his commitment to Christ.
 
After graduating high school, John became a civil servant worker for the City of New York and joined the Department of Sanitation on March 15, 1999 where he was affectionately known as “Smitty”. John was employed for twenty years and was looking forward to enjoying his retirement when he became ill in December 2018.
 
John loved sports and played basketball while at the Brandeis High School. John was given the nickname “Bear” by his 110th Street family in Harlem. John loved to travel and visited many countries including Jamaica, West Indies.
 
On Wednesday, August 7, 2019 the Lord called John home at the New York Presbyterian Hospital in Hudson Valley, New York. John leaves to cherish his memories: his son Jonathan Smith; his three grandchildren: Najee Lauren Smith, King Kyrin Smith and Jay’ari Smith who was born on August 1, 2019. His three sisters: Mary Ann Smith, Yasmine Presha (Henry Presha), LaVerne Brown and Aisha Tate (Geoffrey E. Tate). His aunts: Roslyn and Theresa Jones of Florida; and his uncle Herman Hamilton; as well as a host of nieces, nephews, grandnephews, grandnieces, cousins other relatives and friends including his 110th Street Family.
 
He was preceded in death by his brother-in-law Joel Williams and aunt Andrea Smalls.