Contributions to the tribute of Keith Michael Smerak

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Kristen Kuhns posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

I had the privilege of knowing and working with Keith for close to 15 years. From the beginning, he was kind, patient and encouraging. I could not have asked for a better mentor to guide me through the early years of my career and help me grow into the person I am today. I know for years to come I will continue to rely on what I learned from Keith. As a friend, we bonded over music, comic books and films. During difficult times, he remained a source of positivity and wanted to uplift everyone else. I will miss Keith greatly.

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Elzbieta Stepniewska uploaded photo(s)

Monday, June 26, 2023

I would like to express my sincere condolences on the death Keith. He was such a wonderful person and he will live on in our memories forever.

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Attardo Family posted a condolence

Sunday, June 25, 2023

Our sincere condolences to the Smerak family. We will always remember how welcoming and kind Keith and Agatha were when we first moved to Morris Plains. Since the day we met we knew we had the best neighbors and friends. We will never forget Keith’s kindness, his dry humor, watching him tend his garden and seeing him on his daily walks with River. Keith will always be in our hearts and never forgotten. God bless the Smerak family always.

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Margaret Kaczorowski lit a candle

Saturday, June 24, 2023

We will always remember Keith as a kind, caring, and considerate person who always welcomed us into his home with Agatha. Keith was a wonderful husband, father, and friend, who always went the extra mile for someone. We will miss him dearly. Rest in eternal peace and light Keith. With love, Genevieve and Margaret Kaczorowski

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Tricia Fama lit a candle

Wednesday, June 21, 2023

I first met Keith at BD more than 20 years ago when we worked together in the Graphics Lab. He was the undisputed lead of that team. Keith was ever-present, open and available to his colleagues and peers; always there to provide guidance, to provide support and to mentor. The Keith that I met back then was kind, thoughtful, extremely creative and thoroughly ‘chill.’ I have been fortunate enough to re-connect and work with him again in recent years and nothing about him changed. He remained until the day he died the friendly, optimistic, caring, thoughtful and ‘chill’ guy I knew met back then. He loved his work, built a company from ground up and adored his family. A life well lived, taken way too soon. My life is better from knowing him and I will truly miss him. Rest in peace, dear friend.

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Susan Loosse Posted Jun 22, 2023 at 7:30 PM

You said it so well, Tricia... Keith was such a special person. I remember him the very way you describe him. He was a great guy to work with at BD and I’m so sad to hear this news.

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Isabel Ferring posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

I am so very sorry to hear of Keith's passing. He was such a creative man and a positive influence. I worked with him at BD from 2005 until he left to start his own agency with his friend and colleague Keven. Keith had a kindness and charisma that made him a natural leader. My best memory was one year when we participated in the 'Take Your Daughters and Sons To Work Day' - an event that Keith looked forward to and always made extra special for the kids. This one year he planned an event where the kids made their own paper airplanes. The templates were varied and more intricate than the standard paper airplane and he patiently helped them with their projects. He then took them up to the next floor so they could be launched into the atrium and these things could really fly! The kids were delighted and the event was a huge success. I read the obituary and although his life was short, Keith did so much with his time on this earth; he built a business, found his soulmate and has a beautiful family. Please accept my sincere condolences.

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Tricia Fama Posted Jun 21, 2023 at 11:12 AM

I remember that day too, Isabel. I think Keith had as much fun as the kids! Thanks for sharing, brought a smile to my face.

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Dan Hartensveld uploaded photo(s)

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Keith and I played board games in his basement for countless hours while we were in high school. His introduction to the world of high quality games has lasted my entire life. My son is about to turn 18 years old and we have been playing board games together since he was a small toddler and continue to do so till this day. I don't know that I would have that special time together if Keith hadn't given me this gift so many years ago. I moved to California in 1996 and while Keith and I lost contact over the years, his influence can still be felt in my relationship with my son. I can honestly say my life is better for having known Keith. Dan Hartensveld

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Pete Mrsich posted a condolence

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

RIP Keith - hung with you in the Trenton State days, and I remember them fondly. From reading your obit, it sounded like you lived your post-college life to its fullest, and that you brought warmth to everyone you encountered, personally and professionally. Glad we were able to connect one last time over Zoom in lockdown. It was great to catch up. Keeping all your loved ones in my thoughts. Rock on, Keith.

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The family of Keith Michael Smerak uploaded a photo

Tuesday, June 20, 2023

Keith Michael Smerak

1974 - 2023

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