Rabbi John Patrick Smale, 62, of Wildwood, FL, passed away Thursday, August 2, 2018. Rabbi Smale was born September 25, 1955 in Toledo, OH to the late Ronald Hugh and Mary Madeline (Griffith) Smale.
John had been an Ohio State champion swimmer for his age group from age 10 – 18. After this he was on the traveling U.S. National Karate team. John taught Martial Arts in Ohio and then in South Florida after moving there in the late 70’s.
As a Messianic Jew, he became a spiritual leader and Rabbi. One of John’s missions was to help the homeless in Miami and he would drive his car thru the streets of Miami at night to find and assist the homeless. He was an accomplished musician and played many instruments, creating 100’s of original worship songs in his later years.
Survivors include his daughters, Jennifer Smith and Elihana Elias Smale; brothers and sister-in-law’s, Terry & Deb Smale, Ron & Angie Smale, Jerry & Christina Smale, Tim & Jennifer Smale and David Smale along with 1 grandchild. John was preceded in death by his parents, a brother, Tom Smale and stepson, Samuel Elias.