John "Patty" Smithwick

Aged 73 longtime resident of Lockport. Passed away peacefully February 3, 2023 surrounded by his family. John was an avid golfer and had a passion for hunting and fishing. He scored 3 holes in one in his golf career, taught his family how to golf and passed down his passion to his children. He hunted and fished all over the states, Atlantic and Pacific oceans, the Gulf of Mexico and Hawaii. His hunting trophies included deer, pheasant, and rabbit. Fishing trophies included trout, bass, pike, walleye and pan fish. When he was younger, he loved to travel, traveling to over 40 states, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. He traveled through the Rockies from New Mexico to Canada. He saw the Tetons, Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks.

John was witty, smart, and had a great sense of humor. He could light up the room at any party, always ready with a story. He could start a conversation with anyone and loved reminiscing of his days in the "old" neighborhood. John was honest, loving, forgiving and always supportive of his family.

John was a jack of all trades, having jobs ranging from a pizzeria manager to a truck salesman but found his success and life's purpose in banking as a senior VP of Banking.

John loved family time and brought the family on many family vacations, including going to Michigan, South Dakota, and yearly trips to Disneyworld and Florida. The family always traveled by car in which John always drove.

Most importantly, John was all about his family. He was married to his wife for 32 years. He was so proud of his 3 sons and everything they did. There was a time where John thought he wouldn't have children, and when his 3 sons were born, they became the light of his life. He would tell anyone who would listen, the accomplishments of his sons from their grades to athletic accomplishments. His face would light up when he talked about his sons. John loved to cook, especially recipes from his heritage, enthralled with testing out Italian and Irish dishes. He was known for his ribs, corn beef, and chili. He loved to garden and would grow an assortment of vegetables every year in the backyard. He loved his wife and 3 boys with all of his heart, and in his words, "I have lived a full life."

Preceded in death by his parents, John and Helen Smithwick; father-in -law, August DiCola

Survived by his wife, Cindy; his children, Johnny (Katie), Tony and Vinny; brother, Joe (Nancy); many nieces and nephews, mother-in-law, Judy DiCola.

In lieu of flowers, memorials to American Cancer Society ( Donate ) or American Diabetes Association ( Donate ) appreciated.

Memorial Visitation and Service on Saturday, February 11, 2023 at O'NEIL FUNERAL HOME 1105 E. 9th St., Lockport from 10:00am until time of service at Noon. For Info: (815) 838-5010