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Jay Smith Obituary
The son of Dr. Seymour and Gladys Smith, Jay was born in San Francisco on January 28, 1942. Jay graduated from George Washington High School, where he played football and swam. He attended San Francisco City College and later earned his teaching degree from San Francisco State College. Jay also proudly served as a medical assistant in the United States Army Reserves for six years and traveled internationally.
He began his teaching career in San Francisco, where he met Bonnie Herder, a spirited New Jersey teacher on vacation. Their connection was immediate. Jay followed his heart east, settling in Verona, NJ, where they married and raised two children. For 42 years, Jay taught sixth grade at Lester C. Noecker School in Roseland, NJ, guiding generations of students, many of whom later entrusted him with their children's education. But Jay was more than a teacher. He was also a mentor, a steady presence, teacher of the year, and the definition of a great man.
A lifelong early riser, Jay ran every morning and completed the iconic Bay to Breakers 12K footrace several times, and the SF Marathon. While living on the East Coast, Jay and his son, Brian, attended countless Rutgers men's basketball, New Jersey Devils, New York Mets, and New York Giants games with friends and colleagues. Yet Jay still remained a devoted fan of Bay Area sports teams -- first the Seals, then the 49ers, Giants, and Warriors, cheering them on from across the country. His loyalty never waned.
Jay's quiet strength, unwavering support for friends and family, and kind spirit left a lasting impression on everyone he met. He was the kind of man people spoke of with a smile and a simple truth: "Jay is a really nice guy." Jay's legacy lives on in the countless lives he touched with compassion, humor, and humility.
He is survived by his wife Bonnie, his daughter Jessica, an occupational therapist in Burlingame, CA, and his son Brian, a foodservice salesman in Baltimore; daughter-in-law Kate Rosenblatt, MD; and his beloved granddaughter Rosabelle. Jay also leaves behind his brother David Miln Smith and David's partner Lori Bleeth; his nephew Daren Smith and wife Elizabeth; his niece Chelsea Smith; and his dear friend Rebecca Wickham.
Memorial services will take place this summer in California and New Jersey.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Andrew A. McGovern
August 30, 2025
Mr Smith was one of the greatest men I ever had the privilege to interact w. He was my 6th grade teacher (1990) and also taught my two older brothers. Just a great guy,who had a lasting impact on me. Although I haven´t seen Mr Smith in many years, I´m going to miss him.
Mel Levine
June 28, 2025
I was saddened to hear about the passing of Jay Smith. We were colleagues at Noecker School, and worked as team teachers. Jay touched the lives of so many who were fortunate enough to know him, and will be deeply missed.
Most sincerely,
Mel Levine
Jeff Sayers
May 29, 2025
I was lucky enough to have Mr. Smith as my sixth grade teacher. I remember him being a lot of things - endlessly kind, incredibly funny, an amazing story teller. To this day, over 25 years later, I still pass along some of the stories he told us as a class. But there is one Mr. Smith memory that will always stand out for me. A couple of my best friends from Noecker School are professional musicians, and I had the chance to tour the country with them. While it was a great experience, I remember feeling a bit home sick at one point. We were scheduled to play a show in San Fransisco. And as I began to help set up the stage, I looked out to see a familiar face in the audience, smiling and giving a thumbs up. It was... Mr. Smith! Now, this was over a decade after we were in his class mind you. But there he was, over 2,500 miles away from Roseland, taking the time out of his day to come see us. But that´s the type of guy he was. He's had such a positive and long-lasting impact on me. I was saddened to hear of his passing. Condolences to his family. And may his memory continue to live on.
Jeff Sayers
Hans J. Taenzer
May 18, 2025
"Mr Smith" was my 6th grade teacher in 1969-1970. He possessed all the qualities a great teacher should possess. He was kind, empathetic and insisted that we do our homework. I know I did my homework because I didn't want to disappoint him.
He was a great man. May Mr. Smith rest in God's peace.
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Kathy M
May 17, 2025
Mr. Smith made an impact on all three of the Monangai children to come through Noecker. More than anything, he was one of the few examples we had at the time for what it meant to pour into others through education and mentorship. You will be missed! We will continue to speak of your legacy. Please rest
Gwendolyn M.
May 17, 2025
Mr. Smith as you are forever known to all three of my children, was a fierce advocate of all three of them. You loved them, mentored them and spoiled them. I was blessed to call you my friend. Thank you for the love in your heart. May your spirit soar. May you rest well from all of us to all of the loves you left behind
Elizabeth Trainor
May 17, 2025
One of my all time favorite teachers. Always had the best stories and a smile on his face
James M.
May 16, 2025
He was a great guy, great teacher. Genuine, sincere and funny. My 6th grade teacher.
Anthony DeVincenzo
May 16, 2025
Mr. Smith was a great teacher, mentor, and friend. He had a tremendous impact on so many lives. Rest in peace. You will be be missed.
Steve Sargese
May 16, 2025
My favorite 6th grade teacher and a mentor for me with his kindness and his athletic skills. RIP Mr Smith until we meet again.
Steven Sargese
May 16, 2025
Mr Smith was my favorite teacher in grammar school specially 6th grade. He was kind generous genuine and caring. He was an awesome athlete who taught me to strive to be the best vRIP Mr Smith please say hello to my Mom and Dad in heaven.
Kyle talish
May 16, 2025
Mr. Smith was a great man. He was my 6th grade teacher and I regularly served him at the west Caldwell Starbucks years later. He started as an old teacher of mine but then he quickly became a friend. My condolences and prayers to his family
Ed & Kathleen Bimbo
May 16, 2025
Oh Mr. Smith, what a legacy you left. How many talks we had about my daughter Toni Bimbo chatting in class. How many students u mentored. You were a VERY SPECIAL PERSON and a VERY SPECIAL TEACHER.
RIP DEAR FRIEND, you deserve it.
Thanks for the memories your students will always cherish.
Peggy Mitchell
May 16, 2025
Both of our sons had Mr Smith as a sixth grade teacher and both were enriched by his teaching style. He always opened his door to them when they visited after leaving Noecker school and we saw him, often, at the West Essex football games when our son played for the team. I had the opportunity to work with Jay as a student teacher and saw, firsthand, how he treated his students with dignity and respect. May Jays family take comfort in the fact that he will be remembered by all of us with deep regard.
Nancy Bertoldi
May 16, 2025
I´m so sorry to hear of the passing of Mr. Smith. He taught all 4 my children and was the best!! A very kind and caring teacher! Sending my condolences to his family and friends. Rest in the sweetest peace Mr Smith, you had such a positive impact on so many young lives
Lisa Quadrel
May 16, 2025
What a great guy, not only my 6th grade teacher but both my kids as well. He was both kind & firm and always there for everyone. I would always see him at the WE football games still rooting for his past students. He will be missed by many.
Joan Petitclair
May 15, 2025
Bonnie my deepest sympathy to you and your family foryour loss. Jay was a very special person, he taught my three children, and my granddaughter.
Maria Racioppi Grazioso
May 15, 2025
Mr. Smith was an amazing sixth-grade teacher to us all, and I and my friends would often go back to Noecker School after having graduated, just to catch up with him. He never forgot any of us, remembering me back in the 90s when he saw me walking down the hall at Noecker. He also remembered my own mother just a few years ago, while out shopping in town. Mr. Smith was a unique man, teacher and mentor, and he will be missed.
Toni Bimbo
May 15, 2025
Mr Smith was not only my teacher but also my children's teacher. He was such a gentle and special person . It was a special experience first being a student and then a parent of a student! He was the reason my mother had to come to school every Friday in 6th grade because I was a little "chatty"
Years later we used to meet in Starbucks and laugh and chat. I will miss him and the memories will last forever . thank you, Mr Smith. you were unforgettable
Faith Fiore costabile
May 13, 2025
Mr. Smith was one of my favorite teachers. He was kind and smart but also firm. Always a beautiful smile to greet his students everyday. He was an inspiration to his many students . We all thought we were his favorite. What a wonderful life well lived. Faith Fiore
Antonio Santiago
May 11, 2025
Jay was a great person. I´m glad I got to spend time with him.
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