HANCOCK, Mass. — John C. Smith Jr., 97, of Hancock died on Thursday, February 2, 2017, at Berkshire Medical Center, Pittsfield. 

He was born on September 7, 1919 in Williamstown, Mass., a son of the late Lucy (White) and John C. Smith Sr. 

John attended schools in Williamstown, graduating from Williamstown High School with the Class of 1937. He then went on to graduate from Bliss Business College. He worked at Hancock School for 20 years as a bus driver and custodian. He was last employed at Wilson Williams Farm Equipment in Hancock, where he worked for many years. He was a decorated veteran of World War II and served in the US Army from 1942-1945.  

John was a Selectman to the Town of Hancock for 21 years, and also served as Chief of Police for many years. He was a charter member of the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department. He was an active member of the Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown, where he served as a Life Deacon. He was also a member of the Williamstown Legion. He enjoyed square-dancing and spending time with his family. 

Mr. Smith was the widower of Edith (Watson) Smith, whom he married on August 13, 1942; she died on March 28, 2012. They were married for 69 years. 

Survivors include his son Robert A. Smith and his wife, Susan Keeney, of Hancock; four daughters, Carol Morrison and her husband Robert of Pownal, Vt., Cathy LeBarron and her husband Paul of Lanesborough, Mass., Nancy Hamilton and her husband Paul of Pittsfield and Susan Tetreault and her husband Philip of McCool, Neb.; as well as eight grandchildren, 13 great-grandchildren and two great-great-grandchildren.

He was predeceased by his daughter, Barbara Jean Smith, who died in 1950; as well as two sisters, Alice Williams, and Mabel Eichenauer.

Funeral notice: Funeral Services to celebrate the Life of John C. Smith Jr. will take place Tuesday, February 7, 2017, at 10 a.m. at the Second Congregational Church in South Williamstown. Burial with military and Fire Department honors will follow in Southlawn Cemetery. 

Calling hours are Monday February 6, 2017, from 4 to 7 p.m. at the Flynn & Dagnoli-Montagna Home for Funerals, West Chapels, 521 West Main St. North Adams. Memorial donations are suggested for the Hancock Volunteer Fire Department or the Second Congregational Church through the funeral home.