John D. Werth

John David Werth, born October 11, 1943 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, died peacefully in his sleep early Sunday morning on December 11, 2022 at Miriam Hospital in Providence, Rhode Island. His wife, Carolyn Werth, was by his side when he died. His four children are Michael, Brian, Terry, and Mindy Werth. His grandchildren are Eliana, Katrina, and Kento. His parents were Paul Norbert Werth (†) and Katherine Mary Ripple (†). John’s siblings were/are: Paul Norbert Werth, Jr. (†), Mary Ellen Shelton (†), Fran Clauson, Jean Ek, Fred Werth, and Bernice Clancy. 

Dad proudly served in the United States Navy as an Aviation Electronics Technician Petty Officer Second Class (ATN2) from 1962 to 1966, including deployment aboard the U.S.S. Ranger (CV/CVA-61) for the “Hoot Owls” Reconnaissance Attack Squadron Nine in Vietnam. After two years on inactive Naval Reserve, he received an Honorable Discharge on June 29, 1968. He was awarded a Vietnam Service Medal, and a National Defense Service Medal.

A soft gentle snow fell the night before John Werth died, the first of the year. Dad was a good man who always loved Christmas. He carried us little children out on Christmas Eve when we were very young, wrapped in our blankets, to see the winter stars and the Spirit of Christmas. He always had a story to tell, and a twinkle in his eye, especially on Christmas Day. Despite his childhood hardships, John carved out a beautiful and loving life for himself and his family, with the Spirit of Christmas bringing him renewal, joy, and salvation. He enjoyed long walks down the Providence Harbor East Bay Bike Path, singing in the West Bay Chorale intergenerational chorus, studying Tai Chi, working on the family genealogy, taking classes at Hamilton House, and taking German language classes.

Dad loved taking the whole family camping when we were children throughout the American Southwest and Northeast mountains. He loved Russell Pond in New Hampshire located in the White Mountain National Forest. He was a good husband, a wonderful father and grandfather, and he is now on his new journey to the stars in Heaven. Goodbye, Dad; we love you.

There will be a ceremony with U.S. Navy full military honors at 3:00 pm on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 at Smith-Mason Funeral Home*, followed by calling hours from 3:30 to 7:30, including a service at 6:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. https://www.stjude.org/donate/srch/st-jude-donation.html?sc_dcm=58700006946881490&sc_cid=kwp&sc_cat=b&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&amount=x&gclid=a7df14b3e3c21fad258d772f43a34e4e&gclsrc=3p.ds&ds_rl=1291300&ds_rl=1285465&msclkid=a7df14b3e3c21fad258d772f43a34e4e&utm_source=bing&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=M%20-%20Core%20Brand%20EX%20EL&utm_term=st%20jude%27s%20children%27s%20research%20hospital%20donations&utm_content=PM_PR_Dig_Srch_PM_AO_US_Nat_MS_M-Ads_LF_-_-_-_SERP-Exct_Srch-B_-_-_-_Donate_-_EL_-_-_Srch&gclid=a7df14b3e3c21fad258d772f43a34e4e&gclsrc=3p.ds A burial at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery will be held at a later date.

(†) RIP

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