John C. Smith, 95

John C. Smith, of Wolfeboro, passed into eternal life on March 28, 2026, at age 95. He passed peacefully at home. John was a beloved father, husband, son and brother to his four siblings. John lived a full and active life devoted to his family and his love of gardening.

John was born Jan. 7, 1931, in Moulton, Alabama. As a young man he began a distinguished career in the U.S. Navy as a petty officer during the Korean War. John’s ship was active in the Blockade of Wonson and was continuously stationed in a war zone from October 1952 to February 1953. Wonson was a strategic point during the war, located on North Korea’s coast. The U.S. Navy was bombarded with enemy artillery fire from shore installations. On one particular day of intense fighting John asked his buddy for a cigarette, to which his friend responded, "John you don’t smoke." "If I am going to die I want a cigarette," John responded. John spoke highly of the battleship USS Missouri, which arrived and bombarded the enemy artillery, silencing them. John was proud of his ship the USS Miller, a Fletcher-class destroyer. Only 376 feet in length, it was small by modern standards. John was a brave sailor having weathered numerous storms including Typhoon Karen. John was a boiler man working below deck where the pipes were covered with asbestos. Later it was determined he had developed asbestosis.

After his service John married the love of his life, Lorraine Loranger. They had three kids, two boys, Joey and Randy, and one girl, Cindy. The family settled in New Jersey, and John proudly bought his first house in 1962.

John began working at Rayco Auto Service in East Orange, New Jersey, where he learned the art of restoring automobile interiors. He was passionate about his craft and took great pride in every job. John was a highly creative and talented man whose skills extended far beyond his business. He restored many high-end brands including Packard, Cord and Hispano-Suiza. One day Amelia Earhart’s vehicle was in the shop for work.

Most who knew John believed he could fix anything.

Another proud moment in John’s life was when, after 10 years of hard work, he doubled the size of his building, adding additional bays.

John was utterly fearless, never accepted defeat, and was the toughest man I ever knew. He was very modest, never telling anyone he had five battle stars from the war.

He was a great storyteller. He always had advice for me, such as how to dress to impress women. I could listen to him talk for hours about how he drove a truck delivering cotton as a youngster.

John lived in Lincoln Park, New Jersey, until 2023, when he moved to Wolfeboro. He loved the area and the great scenery. One of his first passions was to plant sunflowers. John and his daughter created a beautiful garden every summer.

John was a proud member of the National Association of Destroyer Veterans, also known as Tan Can Sailors, based in Somerset, Massachusetts.

John was predeceased by his wife Lorraine in 1979, and his four younger siblings, Wanda, Billy, Bobby and Shirley. He is survived by his sons Joey and Randy; his daughter Cindy; his brother Bobby's wife Sandra; her daughter Terri Smith Womack; two nieces, Lisa and Casey; and his three grandchildren, Leaha, Melissa and Benjamin, and great-grandchildren Michael and Jasmine.

There will be a celebration of life for John held at 3 p.m. on Saturday, April 25, at Center Harbor Congregational Church, 52 Main St., Center Harbor. There will be a repast afterward at the dining hall.

In lieu of flowers donations in John’s name can be made to Tin Can Sailors, P.O. Box 100, Somerset, MA 02726, Member #25280.