John Henry (Rocket) Smith, 79, of Kingston, MA passed away on May 1, 2026 in Pembroke, MA., surrounded by his loving family.

John was born in Weymouth to Joseph A. Smith and M. Rose Smith on September 20, 1946. He went to high school at Holbrook High where he was a member of SEMSBA and the All-New England Orchestra. John also proudly played for the Holbrook High School football team which was the first team in Holbrook to be undefeated and unscored upon. They went on to win the Championship in their league, and the team was inducted into the Holbrook High School Hall of fame. John graduated from Holbrook High in 1964. He went on to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Music Education from the Boston Conservatory of Music and also studied at University College in Cork City Ireland . He started his career as a music educator in Hull and then went on to teach in the elementary schools of  the Silver Lake School district for a total of 35 years. After retirement, he taught after-school programs on Cuttyhunk island as well as in the towns of Berkley, Holbrook (St. Joseph’s School) and Abington (St. Bridget’s School). He also taught music at Bridgewater State University.

One of John’s proudest achievements was playing trumpet with the Greater Boston Youth Symphony Orchestra for President Kennedy and the First Lady at the White House in 1962. They then traveled to New York to perform at Carnegie Hall. During his college years he proudly played with the Boston Fire Department band. Early on in John’s career he played trumpet with the Four Tops and Martha and the Vandellas. John enjoyed his time playing both on the road locally and internationally. John settled locally and started a family of his own.

He was named Walmart Teacher of the Year in 2002 after being nominated by his students. John received a Harvard University Honorarium for his achievements in music education.

John is survived by his children, Ryan Smith of Halifax, Emily Bodel of Halifax. Elizabeth Smith of Pembroke, his grandchildren Garett and Robert (Bobby) Bodel, his sister, Margaret Healey of Whitman, his brother Joseph Smith, Jr. (Patricia) of Pembroke and many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents Joseph and M. Rose Smith. 

The family wishes to extend their gratitude to Tides Hospice of Norwell, MA for their loving care in John’s final days. 

A time of visitation will take place on Monday, May 11th from 9-9:30 am at the Shepherd Funeral Home, 216 Main St. (Rt. 106) Kingston, with a funeral mass to follow at 10:00 am at St Joseph church, Kingston. Interment will be private.