Howard E. Smith, Jr.

Howard E. Smith, Jr, age 98 of Geneva, passed away Sunday, September 10, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family.

He was born January 5, 1925, in Chicago, the son of Howard and Mary (Mungie) Smith.

Howard was raised and lived in Geneva. He set the state record for running the mile while attending Geneva high school. While working for the forestry department at the City of Geneva public works, he fell out of a tree, crushed his heel, shattered his femur, but recovered and attended the University of Wisconsin on a track scholarship. He then attended Harvard law school, practicing law in Geneva for over sixty years. He was elected mayor of Geneva in 1957 and introduced John F. Kennedy at the Kane County courthouse in October of 1960, two weeks before the general election. Howard was an avid golfer, sailor, and enjoyed over thirty years vacationing in the Bahamas with his family and wife of sixty-nine years. He was a lifelong parishioner of St. Peters catholic church, Geneva, Illinois and taught CCD at St. Peters school.

He is survived by his children Barry (Caroline) of Riverwoods, Randy (Mary) of Park Ridge, and Karen (Steve) of Park Ridge; eight grandchildren, one great grandchild, sister Ilene Hagman of Madison, Wisconsin.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Howard and Mary, siblings James and Andrew Pat, and his wife of 69 years, Mary, who passed away in 2019. 

A visitation will be held Thursday, September 14, 2023 from 9:30 am until the time of his funeral mass at 11:00 am at St. Peter Catholic Church, 1891 Kaneville Road, Geneva with Father Jon Bakkelund, celebrant. https://www.youtube.com/live/VJlQcm15o9Y?si=vJVjvyxo2_vhVWP7

Burial will follow at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Geneva.

In lieu of flowers, memorials and donations to Misericordia, heart of mercy, would be appreciated.

For information 630-232-8233 or visit malonefh.com.

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