John Thomas "Jack" Smyth, 70, died on January 17, 2009 at Civista Medical Center in La Plata, MD following a long illness.

Mr. Smyth was born in Washington, D.C. on December 3, 1938 to James and Margaret Smyth. He was a life-long Maryland resident, graduating from Bladensburg High School in 1956 and receiving both his Bachelors and Masters Degrees from the University of Maryland. He taught Spanish in the Prince Georges County school system for 28 years, primarily at Crossland High School.

Mr. Smyth was a gifted linguist who was also fluent in Portuguese and French. He took great pride in his teaching duties and cultivated continuing relationships with many of his students following their graduation.

Mr. Smyth is survived by his wife of 40 years, the former Lucy Teresa Reap, of Memphis, TN. They resided in the Pinefield subdivision of Waldorf for 33 years, before moving to Swan Point in southern Charles County in 2003. Mr. Smyth is also survived by a younger brother, David Smyth of Charlotte Hall, MD.

A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, January 21, 2009 from 5-8pm with Wake Service at 7pm at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, 15848 Rock Point Road, Issue, MD 20645.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday, January 22, 2009 at 11am at Holy Ghost Catholic Church, Issue, MD. Clergy will be the Father David Beaubien.

Interment will take place at Holy Ghost Catholic Church Cemetery, Issue, MD.

Arrangements provided by Raymond Funeral Service.