William F Smith

William F Smith 85 of Lavallette died peacefully at home on Tuesday September 13 with his family by his side. 

 A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Monday September 18, 10 am at St Bartholomew the Apostle Church in Scotch Plains. Entombment to follow at St Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia. Visitation will be on Sunday September 17, 2pm to 6pm at the Rossi Funeral Home 1937 Westfield Avenue Scotch Plains NJ 07076. 
In lieu of flowers donations can be made in Bill’s memory to: The V Foundation for Cancer Research, 14600 Weston Parkway, Cary, NC 27513, or visit v.org 

William “ Bill “ was born and grew up  in Jersey City, NJ, moving to Scotch Plains in 1968 to raise his family and settled to Lavallette in 2005.   Bill was a 1960 graduate of St. Peter’s College in Jersey City. Bill was also an All American Basketball player for St. Peter’s, holding their All time scoring record for over 22 years. After college Bill went on to play Professional Basketball for the NY Knicks during the 1961 season. In 1962 Bill entered the United States Army, serving during the Cuban Missile Crisis and was honorable discharged in 1969 as a Captain. 
 Bill began his working career in sales first with All State Insurance Co., then for Hallmark & Springbok. He went on to work for Wilton Industries for many years retiring in 2000. 
  He was an active member of the Holy Name Society and Usher at St. Pio’s in Lavallette, Former member of the Italian American Club in North Plainfield, the Elks in Ortley Beach and the American Legion in Seaside Heights.

 Bill cherished spending time with his family as was evident with the pictures that adorned his home. He enjoyed preparing apps for Happy Hour, making home made pasta & wine and cooking meals for the family.

 Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years Angelina “ Angie” nee ( Di Salvo ), Loving children, Lisa, Kelly Bill and his wife Sue. 6 Cherished grandchildren Louis, Luke, PJ, Leanna, Dominique and Gabriella. 
Bill is also survived by his brother Bob and his wife Shirley and their daughter Melanie.