Richard F Smith

It is with great sadness that our family announces the passing of Richard F. “Dick” Smith. Dick died peacefully on October 15, 2020. He was 88 years old. Born December 14, 1931 to the late Herbert and Esther Smith, Dick was raised in North Newark, New Jersey. He graduated from Barringer High School in 1950. He graduated from Rutgers University with a BA in journalism. Dick served in the US Air Force from 1955 to 1959. He met his wife, Sandra J. Neill while working a summer job near Diamond Lake Fishing Lodge. The couple was married on February 18, 1956. He began his career as a reporter for the Plainfield Courier News, covering local news events. Using his love of the written word, and his excellent communication skills, he moved into the area of public relations, ultimately becoming a Public Relations Specialist and Vice President of William Kohm Associates until his retirement. Dick served as public relations director and executive director of the New Jersey State Republican Committee from 1960 to 1965 helping to run the state campaigns of two presidential and two GOP Gubernatorial hopefuls. Locally, Mr. Smith helped township and county Republican candidates with public relations work and press releases. Dick's community service included membership on the 1977 Hillsborough Township Industrial Commission, 1979 Master Plan Committee, Hillsborough Municipal Utilities Authority, Dick's hobbies included fencing, sailing, bicycling with his wife, skiing, tennis, and racquetball. He was able to enjoy two photo safaris in Africa with local friends. Dick was preceded in death by his parents Herbert M. and Esther O. Smith and his brother Rodney G. Smith. He is survived by his wife Sandra, son Mitchell Smith (Patricia), daughter Jeri Lynn Vacha, four grandchildren William Smith, Robert Smith, Tara (Vacha) Rambo and Ryan Vacha (Alexandra) and two great-grandchildren, Christopher Michael Rambo and Lucy Mae Vacha. Visitation will be Thursday October 22, 2020 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm at the Hillsborough Funeral Home. A memorial service will be celebrated at 12:00 pm. Graveside service to follow at Cedar Hill Cemetery in East Millstone following the memorial service. In lieu of flowers Richard requested that donations be made to either Ocean Conservancy, 1300 19th St NW, 8th floor, Washington,DC 20036, oceanconservancy.org. Or Save the Redwoods League, 111 Sutter Street, 11th floor, San Francisco, CA 94104.