Bruce Smith Obituary

Bruce J. Smith passed away peacefully and surrounded by loved ones on Friday, June 17, 2022. Bruce was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in March 2021. Known for his patience, his kindness, and his generosity, Bruce left us all too soon. But after a warrior-like battle with the cruel and unforgiving disease, Bruce was freed from the suffering and spread his wings to start the next part of his journey.
Bruce is survived by his unconditionally loving wife and high school sweetheart, Carol A. Smith (Toms River, NJ), three children, Kristin Carr (Toms River, NJ), Ryan Smith (Bayville, NJ), and Matthew Smith (Toms River, NJ), two granddaughters, Cameron and Carolina Carr (Toms River, NJ), his sister, Susan Zimmermann (Ohio), son-in-law, Christopher Carr (Toms River, NJ) and daughter-in-law, Courtney Smith (Bayville, NJ). Bruce is preceded in death by his parents Basil Smith and Annette Smith.
Bruce was born September 16, 1953 in Kearny, NJ. He grew up North Arlington, NJ, spending much of his time with his sister and cousins, all of whom he is still incredibly close with today. When he met Carol in high school, his family grew even more as he gained his future sister- and brothers-in-law, who were also some of the closest people in his life.
To know Bruce, was to know kindness, patience, love, and rationale. Bruce loved all things cars and collected several classics. He participated in the Seaside Heights Car Show every September and would often be found showcasing his favorite cars in downtown Toms River, or at other local car show events. He also loved family holidays, especially the Fourth of July, family vacations, and cruising through the Atlantic and Caribbean with his wife, Carol.
Bruce was so blessed and fortunate to be able to retire at the young age of 57. Much of which had to do with his impeccable financial planning, both professionally and personally. Prior to retiring, Bruce was the Finance Director of Worldwide Financial Reporting and Consolidations for Johnson & Johnson. He took so much pride in his work, as he did with everything in life. Early retirement allowed Bruce to spend more time with his family and truly be a part of watching his granddaughters grow up.
While Bruce had countless accomplishments professionally, his greatest and proudest accomplishments were his family. Bruce loved his family with his whole heart. He and his wife Carol were inseparable. Married for 47 years, the two met in high school and have been together ever since. Carol was his primary caretaker during his battle with ALS, never once leaving his side in 16 months. She held his hand, sitting bedside until the very end. His three children were the light of his life, but his two granddaughters were his whole world. They were truly his heart and soul, and he never missed a moment with them.
Many hearts are broken with the loss of Bruce, but the legacy he left and wonderful memories will live on forever in all of those that had the honor to know and to love him.
Family and friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Saturday, July 2nd 12:00pm-2:00pm at Silverton Memorial Funeral Home at 2482 Church Rd, Toms River, NJ 08753.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Joan Dancy and PALS Foundation by visiting http://joandancyandpals.org/how-to-help/. You may also mail donations to:
The Joan Dancy & PALS Foundation
Hackensack Meridian Health Riverview Medical Center
P. O. Box 8157, Red Bank, NJ 07701