NISKAYUNA - John Richard Smetana passed away peacefully on April 27, 2026.  He was born October 26, 1958 in Roanoke, Virginia to James and Georgia Smetana.  He moved with his family to Ipswich, Massachusetts, then to Stamford Connecticut and later to Niskayuna, New York where he spent most of his life.

Growing up, John enjoyed countless adventures throughout the northeast traveling in the way-back of the family station wagon.  He explored the outer limits of Niskayuna cruising with his brothers and friends on their stingrays, hiking through the Lisha Kill and hanging out in the neighborhood.  He also spent many eventful summers on his grandparents' farm in Temple, Texas, running around pastures, climbing through barns and hunting frogs.  He was a dedicated paperboy for the Schenectady Gazette for a number of years.

John graduated from Niskayuna High School in 1976 and then attended SUNY Morrisville and Utica College for his bachelor's degree.  During college he worked in various restaurants, which he continued full-time after graduating.  Pursuing his love of cooking, he returned to college to earn a culinary arts degree from SUNY Schenectady and then worked as the head cook at several popular restaurants, including Geppetto's and Mother Ferro's.  John was also a skilled woodworker and eventually transitioned from cooking to carpentry, working for specialty contractors doing architectural conservation and restoration work.  He was always known for his craftsmanship and later, after joining the Carpenters Union Local 291, focused primarily on finish, trim and specialty work.  John was quite proud of his own workshop at home, where he kept all his tools impeccably maintained and materials meticulously organized.  John also enjoyed cooking, stamp collecting, reading and telling a good story.  He always adored his devoted dogs, Champ, Buddy, Oscar and Rascal.

John married the love of his life Amy Houlihan in 1994 and they shared a life of love and friendship pursuing together their passions for the outdoors, traveling, kayaking, golfing and gathering with the extensive Smetana and Houlihan clans.  Sadly, Jonn was recently predeceased by his dear Amy, when she passed away April 3, 2026.

John is survived by his brothers: Robert (Margie) Smetana; James Smetana, Jr.; Jeffrey (Kim) Smetana; and Frank (Janice) Smetana; and his sisters: Sharon (Matthew) Schweikert; and Patricia (Brian) St. Amour; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.  He was pre-deceased by his parents: James and Georgia Smetana and his sister-in-law, Donna Smetana.  John always valued his friendship with the Houlihan family, especially Brian and Claire.

John was an ever-faithful husband, brother, son, friend and worker, bringing integrity to all he did.  He was a gentle soul with ready smile and loving heart and will be sincerely missed.

A memorial service celebrating John's life will be held by the family at a later date.

Condolence messages are welcome at www.gleasonfuneralhomeinc.com.