Richard “Rich” Ward Smiecinski, age 76, of Stillwater Township, NJ passed away Monday November 4, 2024 at Hackettstown Medical Center with his family by his side. Richard was born January 26,1948 in Newark, NJ the oldest of 4 siblings to the late Shirley Clayton Smiecinski and Felix R. Smiecinski. In addition to his parents, he is predeceased by his wife of 49 years, Diana Smiecinski (nee-Fisher), his brothers Mark and Paul Smiecinski.
He graduated from Hanover Park High school in 1966 and began working for NJ Bell Telephone (now Verizon) retiring after 35 years prior to joining the service in April 1968 to serve the United States Army, Combat Infantry Division in Vietnam. He was honorably discharged in April 1970, earning the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Sharpshooter Badge Rifle M14 and the Combat Infantry Badge. Upon leaving the service he moved to Hackettstown, NJ where he became a longtime resident and friend and neighbor to many.
Rich loved being down at the shore, spending most summers at Normandy Beach, NJ and most recently at Point Pleasant Beach NJ. You could find him catching sunrises and fish (if lucky!) with his morning coffee.
Rich was a “jack of all trades”, taking on new hobbies and interests and learning them to the 1000th degree. Over the years he built an addition on his house, countless wood working projects including renovating a dairy barn to a horse barn, rebuilding cars including a 1981 Corvette, motorcycles and boats and even bailing hay.
He supported his daughter’s love of horses and animals over the years, housing anything from a guinea pig to a horse.
He was an avid member of the Knights of Columbus of Hackettstown, NJ, serving on the board for many years and leading the planning of many spaghetti dinners, breakfasts and improvements. He was also a member of the American Legion in Hackettstown, NJ for many years as well as volunteering his time at the Good Shephard Church in Andover, NJ.
He is survived by his loving wife: Virginia DeFrancesco, his daughters Marlena Lynn Maier and her husband James of Wakefield, MA, Carrie Ann Hornung and her husband Andrew of Allamuchy, NJ, Rebecca Michele Smiecinski and her partner Justin Kramer of Stillwater Township, NJ. His grandchildren Amelia and Adelynn Hornung, Jace and Clayton Maier. Additionally, he is survived by his loving sister Susan Michele Shraim (nee-Smiecinski) and her husband Ahmed, and his longtime friend of over 45 years Howard Manfra.
Visitation will be held on Thursday, November 7,2024 from 4-8pm at Cochran Funeral Home, 905 High St., Hackettstown, NJ.
The funeral will be held on Friday, November 8, 2024, 10:00 am at Good Shepherd R.C. Church, 48 Tranquility Road County Route 517, Andover, NJ with Father Timothy Dowling officiating. Burial will be in Good Shepherd Catholic Cemetery, Green Township following the service.
For those desiring, donations may be made to the Department of Veteran Affairs, 385 Tremont Ave, East Orange, NJ 07018 Attn. Mercedes Chambliss in memory of Richard Smiecinski.
For those wishing to leave online condolences for the family, please visit, www.cochranfuneral.com
7 Condolences for Smiecinski, Richard “Rich”
Condolences(7)
Gabriel, Ashley, Josie Kates says
November 5, 2024 at 10:02 pmRichard was a good man. Very thoughtful and kind, as well as funny. He always had a story to tell and he was so sweet to our daughter Josie any time he saw her. She thought the world of him. Richard will surely be missed by many. Sending love and prayers to the family. 💙🕯️
Ed Wehmeyer says
November 6, 2024 at 5:03 pmI had the pleasure of knowing Rich as we shared some good laughs at summer gatherings years ago along with other friends. He had a great laugh that I will always remember.
I’m very sad. My deepest sympathy and condolences to family and friends. RIP Rich 🙏🏻
Joy Snyder says
November 6, 2024 at 11:23 pmVery sorry to learn of the passing of longtime friend Rich… My Sincere Sympathy to his entire family…Joy Snyder
Joseph A Clarke Jr says
November 7, 2024 at 11:34 pmGod speed Richie, Rich was a unique man, he moved to the neighborhoodwhen I was 7 years old with one of the coolest cars in Hackettstown! Rich could be as approachable and open as he could be a total mystery. I never had any question Rich knew the answer to any question you had… the question was… would he tell ya? He helped navigate the Veterans administration and for that I’ll be ever greatfull. To his daughters ❤️ you had a wonderful father who loved you dearly I would like to extend my condolences for my father Joseph A Clarke Sr. As well as the whole Clarke family.
Luke Chesniak says
November 9, 2024 at 11:19 amTo the family of Rich so sorry for your loss , Rich was a great friend to myself (Luke )and my dad (Harold)and my mom Pat Chesniak along with being great neighbor for many years . He will be missed The Chesniak Family .
Sean Grogan says
December 9, 2024 at 6:32 pmHonorable, Compassionate and Caring. Stepping up to Serve His Country in Southeast Asia … A true Hero in Every Sense of The Word. Always willing to Help and Generous To My Dad and my Family – I am Humbled in my Memories of Rich. He was bigger than Life – Thanks Rich for Being my Friend and All you Did For Me. I’ll always Remember He could Do the “Iron Cross” and go Past his Toes and put his Hands on the Floor.
Stella Becton says
December 9, 2024 at 8:21 pmThoughts & prayers with all of Rich’s family. My husband worked with Rich. ♥
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