THOMASTON — John H. Smith, 70, a friend to many and a longtime Thomaston resident, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 21, 2026. Born in Rockland on July 19, 1956, he was the son of Franklin and Anna Belle (Staples) Smith. He was educated locally and spent most of his life in the Thomaston area.

For more than 30 years, John worked for the Thomaston Public Works Department, where he built up a wealth of knowledge and became the person everyone turned to for answers. He knew the inner workings of the town’s entire underground sewer system like the back of his hand, and when something needed fixing, he was the one they sent in. Every winter he faithfully drove the snowplow, keeping the streets clear and safe for his neighbors. He also spent time working for Crowe Rope, at three different locations.

It was hard to go anywhere in town without John running into someone he knew. A natural conversationalist, he could strike up a chat with just about anyone, and he rarely met a stranger.

John had plenty of interests outside of work. He held a black belt in karate and was an avid hunter who enjoyed attending gun shows with friends and family.

He will be fondly remembered and dearly missed by many.

Predeceased by his parents and a nephew, Darryl E. Sanborn; John is survived by his siblings, Joan Sanborn and her husband David of Thomaston, Brenda Fishkin and her husband Barrie of Port St. John, Florida, Franklin L. Smith, Jr. and his wife Brudy of Jefferson; as well as many nieces and nephews, including Teresa Walston of Warren, Christopher Fishkin and his wife Donna of Delaware, and Timothy Fishkin and his wife Teresa of Texas; and a great niece, Felicia Robinson of Warren.

A graveside service will be held Monday, November 23, 2026, at 1 p.m., at Village Cemetery, Erin Street, Thomaston.

To share a memory with John’s family, please visit their Remembrance Page at www.bchfh.com. Arrangements are in the care of Burpee, Carpenter & Hutchins Funeral Home, Rockland.