Peter J. Smith

"Grief is the price you pay for Love" – P. J. Smith

Peter was born to Gerald A. Smith and Frances Heath Smith in 1930 in Hoboken, NJ. His dear, older brother and fellow NY Football Giants fan Gerald F. Smith passed in 2001.

Beginning in 1955, Peter taught English, Speech, and Dramatics for 25 years at Demarest High School, Hoboken High School, and Middletown High School North. He coached the girl's tennis team and was an assistant principal at Middletown until retirement in 1995. He directed numerous plays and musicals during his teaching career, including "Old Hoboken," a play he co-wrote with his mother, Frances, and later adapted for television.

Peter had a winning personality and a steadfast character, and he enriched the lives of all who knew him. He was quick with the witty retort and would break into song at the slightest cue. He was a man of high ideals and gentle humility: the truest of gentlemen. A faithful Catholic, Peter regularly attended Friday mass, even through high school, college, and the military. He would often say, paraphrasing Psalm 23, that "goodness and kindness have followed me all the days of my life."

Peter is a proud alumnus of Xavier High School (1947), Rutgers University (B.A., 1951); and Seton Hall University (M.A.). He served as a corporal in the United States Marine Corps (1952-1954).

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of fifty-seven years, Mary Ann Smith, son Terence Peter Smith and spouse Diana Smith, son Bryan F. Smith and spouse Jenny Smith, grandchildren Benjamin Dingledine, Calahan Peter Smith, Clare E. Smith, and Frances M. Smith, sister-in-law Anne (Corrado) Smith, nieces Maria Smith Caffrey and Tara Smith, and nephew John D. Forrest.

May the road rise up to meet you

May the wind be always at your back

May the sun shine warm upon your face

And the rains fall soft upon your fields

And until we meet again

May God hold you in the palm of His hand

A funeral mass will be held in celebration of Peter's life on Thursday, February 9 ^th , at 10:00 am at St. Veronica's Church, 1120 Douglas Rd., Flossmoor, IL 60422.