Obituary of Richard A. Smith

Richard A. Smith, Jr. of Monroe, died at home on December 6, 2022, at age 79. “Dick” as he was known, was born and raised in New Jersey where he retired in 1992 as Deputy Chief of the Wanaque Police Department. Richard was drafted in 1965 and served in the United States Army until 1967, where he served as a reporter in France during the Viet Nam war. He enjoyed coming up to Maine to the family’s (former) camp on Sebec Lake for summer vacations for decades before retiring to Monroe in 2000.

Richard is known for his life of service, not only in the police department and the Army, but for his many years on the Wanaque School Board of Education, Volunteer Fire Department and First Aid Squad, of which he was a founding member; and later, the Monroe Volunteer Fire Department and Lions Club. Richard loved riding his enormous Harley Davidson and was a charter member of Blue Knights MC NJ Chapter XIII.

His family is proud that Richard will be remembered as a man of great integrity. He loved telling funny stories from his days on the police force. He enjoyed puttering in the garage, cooking, fishing, eating anything chocolate and drinking his nightly glass of bourbon. He loved dogs and often talked about the huge animal shelter he wanted to open when he won the lottery.

Surviving Richard is his loving wife of 55 years, Sharon (Tully); their daughter Melissa, also of Monroe; son Rich and wife Kim of Vernon, New Jersey; and brother Don and wife Judy of North Carolina. The family thanks Beacon Hospice for their impeccable care over the last two years, especially his aide Gail McCarthy, whom we now consider a member of our family.

Richard requested no services and that his body be cremated. The family will hold a Celebration of Life next summer. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you make a donation to your local animal shelter or volunteer fire department.

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