John William Smith, 64, of Woodbridge, formerly of Hamden and New Haven, CT, died suddenly on Friday, February 13, 2026, at his home in Woodbridge. He was born in New Haven, Connecticut, on September 15, 1961. He is survived by his three siblings, Mary Smith, Roberta Smith, and Robert Socci; his loving nephew, Gerry Castro Smith; and many other relatives and friends, including Octo Mote and John “Lou” DeMatteis. He enjoyed the company of his neighbors at his current residence and loved playing cards. John was predeceased by his parents, Bernadette Albina Bertolini and Jack Smith; his grandparents, Albino and Carolina (Bonugli) Bertolini and John William Smith and Mary Corine Hayes Smith; and his aunts and uncles, Corrine (Richard) Bertolini Coe, Bennadetta Bertolini, Clara Bell Smith Sims, Marie Smith, Viola Mae Griggs, Claude (Mary) Smith, Cleveland (Velma Mae) Smith, Charlie (Leona) Smith, Ralph Smith, Eugene “James” (Hildred) Smith, Chester Smith, and John William “Pete” Smith Jr. He attended primary and secondary schools in Hamden and graduated from high school in 1981. He furthered his education by taking carpentry and other trade classes at Eli Whitney and additional programs. John enjoyed working with his hands and loved fixing and building things. For many years, he collected albums and enjoyed listening to music. He also enjoyed watching documentaries, especially those focused on history, including World War II. An avid walker, John walked approximately five miles each day. John was employed by the Town of Hamden Board of Education, Stop & Shop (Amity), the State of Connecticut Judicial Department, and Yale University before retiring early. He was recognized as a dedicated and hardworking employee who always gave his best effort. For a decade, he was a devoted and loyal caretaker to his youngest sister with disabilities. John was a parishioner of Saint Ann’s Church in Hamden and the Church of Our Lady of the Assumption in Woodbridge. Private services will be held at Beaverdale Cemetery in Hamden. The family extends their sincere thanks to Pamela Volpe for her assistance and support to John during the last two years of his life.