John “Jack” Smigel, Jr. of McLean, VA, passed away Thursday, Dec. 29, 2016. Born in Torrington, CT, Aug. 23, 1936, son of the late John and Svetlana (Pienkos) Smigel of Naples, FL.
An electrical engineer, entrepreneur, restaurateur and international government contractor, Jack's interest in world travel began with his service in the US Army during the Cold War. Later he embarked
upon a career with the CIA involving international assignments for which he was well qualified.
After serving his country for thirteen devoted years, showing his flexibility, he changed directions and became a restaurateur in Washington, DC and Keystone, CO. In Washington he was co-owner of the Class Reunion, a popular gathering place for members of the Washington Press Corps and government and industry officials of many stripes and standing. Located a short distance from the White House, the Class Reunion quickly became a favorite of the White House staff, whose members appreciated Jack's habit of keeping to himself the conversations of the confidential kind he overheard nightly. He later became the owner/operator of Maurice’s in Palm Beach, FL, exposing him to conversations the gossip columnists would have relished.
Unable to stay away, Jack returned to work as a government contractor subjecting him to extensive travel in the region and gaining expertise on Middle East matters. This larger than life character was in his 70s when finally, he retired with an endless repertoire of stories to tell.
In his later years, Jack enjoyed spending time with his family and friends on Cape Cod, following his beloved Red Sox, Braves, NE Patriots, and Redskins. An avid reader, his library was full of books on WWII, biographies, political/military histories, and antique clocks.
He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Diane Grandy Smigel of McLean, VA, his sister, Janet Smigel Van Deusen of Torrington, CT, his sister-in-law Deborah Grandy of Wellesley, MA, brother-in-law Malcolm D. Grandy, Jr. of Sandwich, MA and many cousins, nieces and nephews all of whom held him in high esteem.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Tuesday, Jan. 10, at 11:00 am, by Rev. James Laughlin, Pastor, St. Paul’s Catholic Church, Wellesley, MA. Friends and relatives are kindly invited. Interment at Woodlawn Cemetery in Wellesley. Donations in Jack’s memory may be made to the Virginia Hospital Center Foundation, 1701 N. George Mason Drive, Arlington, VA 22205.