John F. Smith

John F. Smith of Maris Grove, Glen Mills PA and formerly of Surrey Park, Wilmington DE died September 9, 2012 after suffering a stroke.  Dr. Smith was born May 11, 1922 in London England.  He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and earned his PhD in chemistry at Imperial College, London University before immigrating to the US in 1954.  Dr. Smith was a true renaissance man.  He was an accomplished scientist awarded seven patents in a 30 year career with DuPont. He was a skilled bridge player. He was a gifted musician and artist exhibiting sketches, oils and calligraphy around Wilmington and at Maris Grove. He was also an athlete competing in college water sports and playing golf and tennis in Wilmington.  Dr. Smith is preceded in death by his first wife Gladys Smith. He is survived by his current wife Elaine Thatcher Smith, sons Stephen Smith of Crofton MD and Robert Smith of Seattle WA, daughter Elizabeth Sartelle of Jacksonville NC, stepdaughters Kathy Kelleher of Westwood MA and Barbara Albrecht of Richmond VA, stepson Richard Slatcher of Beverly Hills MI, ten grandchildren and five great grandchildren.  John will be missed by his family and many friends. A celebration of his life will be held in the chapel at Maris Grove at 1:30PM on Saturday October 20. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions in his name to WHYY public broadcasting (WHYY.org).