Howard Smullen

Howard Smullen, 78, of Bayville, New Jersey, formerly of Winfield Park and Westfield, passed away on November 26, 2025 surrounded by his loving family.
Born in Westfield, New Jersey, to Frank and Cecilia Smullen, he was one of five children: brothers Frank Jr. ("Bud"), Brian, and Kevin, and his beloved sister Susie, who died of leukemia as a child. A devoted son, he learned from his parents the values of hard work, patience, good humor, and commitment to family.
He proudly enlisted in the United States Navy during the Vietnam war, serving aboard the USS Independence as an A6 aviation hydraulics technician. This service was a defining honor of his life.
Howard was also a skilled tradesman who loved working with his hands. After training as a carpenter, he worked for more than two decades as a Journeyman industrial pipe fitter with Schering-Plough, later Merck, where he was known for his precision, strong work ethic, and commitment to "doing things right."
He shared 51 years of devoted marriage with his wife, Elizabeth (Kelly) Smullen, the love of his life and partner in all things. Together they raised two children of whom he was immensely proud: his daughter, Bevin (Smullen) Liebmann and son Michael Smullen. His greatest joy later in life came from being "Grandpa" to his cherished and adoring grandchildren, Liam and Bridget Smullen.
Howard found personal meaning in helping those in need. In that pursuit, he volunteered for nearly three decades with organizations including the Bayville First Aid Squad and the Urgent Care at Union Hospital. His dedication earned him the respect and friendship of all who served alongside him.
He was also personally devoted to the Catholic faith and education. He treasured the memories of his time at Holy Trinity school in Westfield, and proudly continued his father's legacy in service as a Knight of Columbus. He was also deeply proud that both of his children attended Catholic school, later attaining college degrees; though, as he often reminded them, along with sundry friends and family, there was always another degree to be earned.
Howard is survived by his wife Elizabeth, brothers Bud, Brian and Kevin, daughter Bevin (Smullen) Liebmann and husband Eugene; son Michael Smullen and wife Stephanie; grandchildren Liam and Bridget Smullen; and more than 50 extended members of his family, to whom he was affectionately known by many as "Uncle Hagrid" and "Hods" among other appellations. He was a gentle and reassuring presence to his many family and friends, his life marked by humility, generosity, and quiet strength.
Howard's life can be best described by the old Navy adage: "Hold fast in storms, stand firm in trials, and stay true to the course."
A visitation will be held on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 4 to 7pm at Dooley Colonial Home, 556 Westfield Ave., Westfield NJ 07090. A funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, December 4, 2025, at 10am at Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Church in Westfield. Interment will follow at St. Gertrude Cemetery in Colonia.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to: St. Jude Children's Research Hospital; the Bayville, NJ Rescue Squad; and John Theurer Cancer Center at Hackensack Meridian Health.