Daniel "Danny" J. Smith

Daniel “Danny” J. Smith, age 83, of Hazlet, New Jersey, passed away on, Tuesday, September 1, 2026, surrounded by the love of his family at Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, New Jersey.

Born on August 20, 1943, in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, Danny was the beloved son of the late Robert C. Sr. and Margaret M. (Rhines) Smith. He grew up in Ashley, Pennsylvania, where he spent his early years and formed the values of faith, family, and hard work that would guide him throughout his life. Danny was a loving, kind, and faith-filled man whose gentle spirit touched all who knew him.

Danny met the love of his life, Evelyn M. (Kozicki) Smith, in kindergarten, and the two reconnected when they were 15 years old. Their friendship blossomed into a lifelong love, and they were married on April 25, 1964. Following their wedding, in 1966, they made their home in Hazlet, New Jersey, where they remained and raised their family with devotion and pride. Danny and Evelyn shared 62 wonderful years of marriage, built on love, loyalty, and a deep commitment to one another.

A proud veteran, Danny served his country honorably in the United States Navy. He carried a sense of duty and integrity with him throughout his life. After his military service, he went on to work as a warehouseman for 37 years at Wakefern Food Corp. in Elizabeth, New Jersey, where he was known for his steady work ethic and dependable nature. His long career reflected the same dedication he brought to every part of his life.

Danny was a faithful parishioner at Saint John United Methodist Church in Hazlet, New Jersey, where his Christian faith remained an important part of his life. He found joy in simple pleasures and treasured the time he spent with those he loved. He enjoyed camping, going day fishing on commercial party boats, working on puzzle books, putting together many puzzles, and playing cards. He also loved working in his yard and especially took pride in growing his famous tomatoes. He will always be remembered for his sense of humor. Above all else, Danny was a devoted family man who cherished every moment spent with all of his family.  

He was predeceased by his beloved parents, Robert C. Sr. and Margaret M. (Rhines) Smith, his precious daughter, Baby Angel, and his dear brother, Robert C. Smith Jr., as well as many other family and friends that have now welcomed him. He is survived by his loving and devoted wife of 62 years, Evelyn M. (Kozicki) Smith; his treasured daughters, Mary Bryk and her husband Richard of Wall, New Jersey, Susan Smith of East Brunswick, New Jersey, Nancy Zalewski of Old Bridge, New Jersey, and Janet Willis of Apex, North Carolina; his cherished grandchildren, Christine Bryk, Richard Bryk Jr., Michael Bryk, David Kitzman and his wife Melissa, Ryan Zalewski, Jake Zalewski, Asher Willis, and Connor Willis; his adoring great-grandchildren, Madison, DJ, and Maisie. He is also survived by many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends who will miss him dearly.

Danny will be remembered for his loving heart, his unwavering faith, and the kindness he showed to everyone around him.  Though he will be deeply missed, his memory will live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know and love him.

In lieu of flowers, donations in loving memory of Danny to www.stjude.org, Saint John’s United Methodist Church, 2000 Florence Ave. Hazlet, New Jersey 07730, or Saint John Food Pantry would be greatly appreciated. 

In respect of Danny’s wishes, he was privately cremated.  Family and friends are invited to attend a memorial visitation on Saturday, September 5th, 2026, from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM at Shore Point Funeral Home and Cremation Services, Inc., 3269 State Highway/Route 35 North, Hazlet, New Jersey 07730.  Pastor Blair Goold will be officiating a prayer service at 2:30 PM. For more information, directions or to send condolences to the family, please visit www.shorepointfh.com.    

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