Gerald J. Smith Sr.

Our beloved dad, Jerry Smith, 79, of Caldwell, passed away on July 27, 2022.
An eternal optimist who loved life, his family and friends, travel, the Dallas Cowboys, and the Rolling Stones. He always greeted you with a warm smile, and he loved to tell jokes. Admired for his care-free approach to life, Dad was usually having too much fun to allow stress to get in his way. He enjoyed our gatherings of family and friends, ball games, concerts, and grandkids' events. If you were a friend of Dad's kids, then you were his friend too. Not one to sit out, he wanted to be in the mix and part of the action. When it comes to having a good time, especially with family, Dad was "all-in."
Dad had such a kind, loving heart. A trait passed-on from his late mother Janet ("Nana"). She was a special person, and a true family treasure to us.
Married to our wonderful Mom and his late wife Barbara for 51 years, they raised 4 sons, and a daughter. While raising their family, Jerry enjoyed a successful career as a finance executive in the shipping/transport industry. As a dad, he coached little league, shared his love for the circus, for the great outdoors, and got his sons hooked on fishing. Each of Dad's adult "kids" now have families of their own and are so grateful to have had him in our lives. Among all the "hats" worn and titles achieved, we know "Dad," "Grandpa," and "Papa" are the ones he cherished most.
Pre-deceased by our mom, Barbara Ann Smith.
Surviving are the "kids", Gerald Smith Jr. (Michele), Steven Smith (Cheryl), Thomas Smith (Patricia), Michael Smith (Jill), and Laurie Cavalieri (Erio); 14 cherished grandkids.
Relatives and friends are invited for visitation on Tuesday from 4-8 pm in the Shook-Farmer Funeral Home, 45 Roseland Avenue, Roseland, NJ 07068, shookfarmer.com. A Funeral Mass will be offered on Wednesday 10 am at Notre Dame Church, North Caldwell, NJ with interment to follow at Prospect Hill Cemetery, Caldwell, NJ.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Cardiac Services at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center. All donations made in my dad's name will be funding the CATH LAB at Cardiac Services.