Craig J Smith

On July 19, 2024, Craig John Smith, 76, of Bloomingdale passed peacefully, surrounded by the loving presence of his family. Craig entered his life as a blessed gift to this world by William and Margaret Smith on January 27, 1948. He was lovingly raised as a hard-working man, learning the trade of plumbing alongside his father. He attended Butler High School graduating in 1965. It was then he found the love of his life, Lynn (Ceder), and vowed to an eternal life as one. Soon after, Craig proudly answered the call of duty where he was deployed overseas to Germany during the Vietnam era. He served his country as an Army Sergeant. After returning home, Craig would receive the greatest blessing in becoming a father, and blossoming a beautiful family together with Lynn. He graciously accepted the inheritance of his father’s business, W.H. Smith & Son Plumbing and worked hard to provide a great life for his family. He furthered his profession by becoming a plumbing inspector for various local towns. He was the family rock, cherished for his ability to always know the right words to say to advise, help and comfort. He adored his eight grandchildren who he lovingly referred to as Pop’s Pineapples.” To know him was to love him. Craig‘s friendship was so easily treasured by all privileged to know him. He cherished our frequent family gatherings and loved any reason to have a pool party. He loved the Jersey shore and boat outings with his son who was his best bud. He had treasured friends to enjoy golf outings, hunting and daily coffee meetups. There were countless Friday night dates with his girl, poolside, with one hand holding a beer and the other holding hers.

While we may not see him, Craig most certainly is embracing us, his heavenly hands holding his three children, son Garry and wife Lynn of Kinnelon, daughter Dana (Croker) and husband Kevin of Butler, daughter Jaime (Boffa) and husband Michael of Sussex and his eight grandchildren Craig, Sean, Matthew, Kyle, Ashley, Evan, Erin and Nicholas.

A memorial gathering will be held on July 21 from 11am-2pm at Morrison Etheridge Funeral Home in Butler. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Craig’s favorite charity, St. Jude Children’s Hospital.