Richard E. Smith

Richard E. Smith, 91, of Bridgewater, NJ and previously of Washington, NJ passed away on October 1, 2025, at Abington Manor in Williams Township, Pennsylvania. He was born on September 15, 1934, at home in Washington, New Jersey, to the late Theodore I. Smith and Helen M. Smith (nee. Hyndshaw).

Richard was a graduate of Washington High School, Class of 1952. He proudly served his country during the Korean War in the United States Navy sailing through Europe and the North Pole. Following his military service, he worked as a boiler operator for many years, earning through self-study, Black, Blue, Red, and Gold Seal Stationary Engineer licenses. He worked at Annadale Reformatory for a few years then at Bell Labs in Murray Hill, NJ for 30 years. He retired in 1996, to open a business sharpening scissors earning the business of 300 customers in the central NJ area.

He enjoyed woodworking where he created several pieces that the family retains. He also enjoyed ocean and lake fishing.

He is survived by his children, Edward R. Smith and his wife Susan, and Mary Louise Smith and her husband Scott Hasko. He also leaves behind his brother, Theodore H. Smith; six grandchildren, Daisy, Holly, Sabrina, Lloyd, Vivian, and Olivia; as well as four great-grandchildren. In addition to his parents, Richard was predeceased by his beloved wife of 60 years, Diana Smith, who passed away in 2022.

“The bitterness of low quality remains long after the sweetness of low prices”

Family and friends may pay their respects on Monday, October 6, 2025, from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at Warren Hills Memorial Home, 234 West Washington Avenue, Washington, NJ 07882. A service celebrating Richard’s life will begin at 12:30 p.m. Interment at Musconetcong Valley Cemetery will immediately follow.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in Richard’s name to the Gary Sinise Foundation, Gift Processing Center, PO Box 1858, Merrifield, VA 22116 
https://www.garysinisefoundation.org/donate

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Warren Hills Memorial Home. To send an online condolence, please visit www.warrenhillsmemorialhome.com.