John Smyth, born 6 June 1928 in Dullaghy, Co. Londonderry, passed away on 31 July 2025 at his home in Thorpe Bay, where he lived for 53 years. The seventh of ten children, John was the last surviving sibling. He grew up on a farm in Upperlands, where he learned the value of hard work and the Irish tradition that every meal must include potatoes.
John moved to England in search of work as a locum optician and pharmacist. It was during his time in Westcliff that he met Sally Graham, and they married in 1965. Together, they raised three children, Lizzie, Harvey, and Kate. Despite Sally’s passing in 1976, John remained a devoted father, creating lasting memories with his children. He built a successful career as an optician in Southend on Sea, where he was also an active member of Round Table and the 41 Club as well as numerous other social activities.
John’s love for travel took him to many parts of the world, and he enjoyed sailing and hiking throughout his retirement. A lover of history, art, and antiques, John had a sharp wit and a gift for making people laugh. He was incredibly proud of his grandchildren and step-grandchildren, always keeping in touch with family and visiting, no matter where they were in the world. Despite health challenges in his later years, John remained a force of nature and will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
John is survived by his children Lizzie, Harvey, and Kate, their partners Mark, KB, and Matthew, as well as his grandchildren Eloise, Benny, Hamilton, Sofia, and Lottie, and step-grandchildren Jade, Adam, Mia, and Cassius.
Lizzie, I just came across this -- my sympathies to you and all of the family. Although we had naught but some email correspondence and I did not know your dad, you and he were nonetheless key to my discovery of ancestors that I did not know I had. Had I started my project earlier, I would have enjoyed a trip to across the Atlantic to meet your dad.
Thinking of you all Kate, Lottie, Ham and Family and sending big hugs. Lots of love Stuart, Ros and Izzy xxx
Happy memories of a lovely man. Jenny and Russell Birch
Such lovely memories of a kind and gracious man. I have known him for over thirty years as a client and also as a friend. It has been a privilege to have known him.
Sorry to hear about John’s passing , he was my husbands cousin. I only met him once when he visited his mother’s birthplace at the Upperlands farm. I spoke to him several times and found him an absolute gentleman. Deepest sympathy to all the family.
Hello Jean thank you for your kind words. Please do get in touch we didnt know how to reach you. Dad was very fond of his cousin and very proud of your family. lizzie@murphyandfriends.com or 01702 582525
You will always be remembered with utter admiration. An incredible man of incredible achievements, having lived just shy of a century. Fiercely loyal, a devoted family man and old school gentleman, knowledgeable, educated and witty. You were one of a kind who will be sorely missed. Sending love and sincere condolences to Lizzie, Harvey and Kate and thinking of you all x
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