Obituary of Wayne P. Smith

Wayne, age 82, passed away peacefully on June 21, 2025. He was a loving and proud husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather, brother, uncle and U.S. Navy veteran whose sense of duty and honor guided him throughout his life.

Born in 1943, Wayne grew up in South Orange/Maplewood where he graduated from Columbia High School.  Wayne had many fond memories of growing up in a close-knit community. So many of his memories included his younger brother, Paul, who shared a lifetime brotherly bond and adventures, spending time with his aunt, uncle, and many cousins who also lived in the neighborhood. Shortly after graduating high school, Wayne enlisted in the U.S. Navy. Wayne embodied the values of service, loyalty, and honesty.  He served his country with dedication as a Petty Officer Third Class, stationed on submarines he traveled the globe during his eight years of service.  After his military service, he returned to New Jersey where he met the love of his life, Sharon.  Wayne and Sharon settled down in West Orange, NJ where they raised their two children, Patrick and Lynn.  His professional career began at Bells Labs, starting as an installer and working his way to management. After relocating to Maryland, he retired from Verizon in 2005. 

Those who knew Wayne remember him for his soft spoken demeanor, gentle spirit, and his unwavering commitment to family.  Whether busy in the yard, tinkering about with a new project, playing golf, or spending time with family and friends, Wayne maintained an active daily life.  His endless love and care, along with his helping hand attitude, will be deeply missed.

Wayne leaves behind his beloved wife, Sharon, with whom he shared more than five decades of love, laughter, and countless memories. He is also survived by his devoted children: Patrick (m. Dana Balint);  Lynn Muir (m. Kenneth Muir); brother Paul Smith (m. Lonni Smith); grandchildren Amber, Marc & Dylan Smith; great grandchild, Phoenix; many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is predeceased by his parents Arthur Horace Smith and Veronica (Herman) Smith.

May Wayne rest in peace, his legacy of service and love cherished by all who knew him.

Visitation for Wayne will be on Friday, June 27, 2025 from 4:00 to 7:00PM at Dangler Funeral Home in Morris Plains, NJ. A Memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 10:00AM at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church, 15 Myers Avenue, Denville, NJ. Inurnment of Ashes will follow at Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover. 

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly suggests donations to Spectrum360, http://Donate.spectrum360.org, or The Sunshine Foundation, http://SunshineFoundation.org/Donate.

For those who can not attend the Memorial Mass in person, the Mass will be livestreamed via this link: https://m.youtube.com/@saintmarysromancatholicchu8578.