Donald “Pop” Smith, 90, a longtime resident of Belford, peacefully passed away at home Sept. 12, 2022. Donald was born Aug. 3, 1932, in Somerville, a son of the late Charles Randolph Smith Jr. and Marry Ann Smith. Donald proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. After returning home, he married the love of his life, Beatrice Howard, and they settled in Belford to raise their family.
Donald worked at Westinghouse/Frigidaire for 47 1/2 years, retiring as a forklift mechanic. Even when he was not working, he could often be found fixing things and watching the History channel. On weekends he would travel to craft fairs with his wife. Donald loved spending time with his family, especially his grandchildren, and soon became everyone’s “Pop.” He enjoyed cooking and pulling pranks on his grandkids: Pop was quite the jokester. He will always be fondly remembered as a loving and devoted husband, father and grandfather.
Donald was predeceased by his wife of 50 years, Beatrice Smith, in 2008; their son Allen Smith in 2019; grandson Allen Smith Jr. in 2019; and his siblings, Arlene Smith, Norman Smith, and Richard Smith.
He is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Bruce and Mary Smith, of Belford; daughter-in-law Lisa Smith of Port Monmouth; and his siblings, Bobbie Steffens, June Lovelace and Wayne Smith. Pop also leaves behind his grandchildren, Caitlyn and Bartel DiSanto, Stephanie and Connor Hall, Loren, Lisa, Megan, Kenny, Tyler and Mark Smith, along with many great-grandchildren.
Friends and relatives paid their respects Sept. 14 and 15 at Scott & Kedz Home for Funerals. A funeral service followed at Holmdel Cemetery.
The article originally appeared in the September 29 – October 5, 2022 print edition of The Two River Times.
