Edward J. Smith Jr., 74, passed away peacefully on Friday, November 28, 2025.  Born April 19, 1951 in Trenton, NJ, Ed lived a life defined by kindness, faith and unwavering love and support for his family and friends.

Ed was raised in Trenton and the surrounding communities and has lived in the greater Washington Township area since 1978.  He graduated from Notre Dame High School and went on to attend Saint Joseph’s University and Rider University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration.  He dedicated 39 years to the Social Security Administration as a Claims Representative before retiring in 2012.

Ed was a faithful husband, dedicated father, loving older brother & uncle, and, his favorite role, adoring grandfather.  He enjoyed the love and respect of his large family and friends and was known by so many as a thoroughly good man. Ed was a devout catholic and a humble man (except when bragging about his children and grandchildren) who often dedicated his time and talents to helping others.  

Ed had a lifelong love for sports.  He enjoyed playing, coaching, collecting baseball cards and cheering from the sidelines at countless games for his children, grandchildren and all those in his circle.  He cherished the time spent with family traveling, especially the trips to Disney with his grandchildren and adventures to anywhere as long as his wife was by his side.  Like many New Jerseyans, Ed had a special fondness for Jersey-Fresh corn and tomatoes and loved tending his garden, especially when getting help from David and Emma. 

Son of the late Edward and Harriett Smith, he is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Susan (nee Mayhew); his son Edward and daughter-in-law Kristen, his daughter Jaclyn Sharkey and son-in-law Brandon and his grandchildren, David and Emma; his siblings Terri (Mike), Graham (Karen), Bert (Katy), Mary, Aileen and Joe (Iwona).  Ed is also survived by his large extended family of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends.

The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to all who have provided love and support, now, and throughout his entire life. 

Family and friends may pay their respects on Thursday, December 11, 2025 from 5:00PM until 7:00PM at McGuinness Funeral Home, 573 Egg Harbor Road, Sewell, NJ.  Memorial Mass will be celebrated on Friday, December 12, 2025 at 11:00AM at Sts. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, 362 Ganttown Road, Sewell, NJ, followed by burial of ashes in Bethel Cemetery, 481 Delsea Drive, Sewell, NJ. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to:

Rheumatoid Arthritis Foundation, Help Fight RA - https://www.helpfightra.org/

Society of Jesus Jesuits USA East - https://www.jesuitseast.org/support-us/support-our-work/

Discovery Ministries, Inc - https://dmi-nj.org/

Access - Chester Community Center - https://accesschester.org/