Craig L. Smith

LITTLE SILVER - Craig Smith of Little Silver, was called home on Monday December 11, 2023 to be free of the pain he endured as he bravely battled cancer. He was comforted throughout his journey by his loving wife Kathleen. His daughter Gessica and son Drew were by his side as he crossed to a new chapter of his life. His home was filled with friends and family who love and will miss him greatly. Craig lived his life on earth to the fullest, he enjoyed both the finer things and the simple things and brought an infectious enthusiasm with him wherever he went.

Craig was born in Red Bank, NJ on February 6, 1953, to Constance and Lester Smith. Craig grew up in Red Bank and spent summers with his family, at their house in Lavallette. He spent his days enjoying the beach with his family and surfing with his friends and brothers. He eagerly shared stories throughout his life of childhood memories of growing up at the beach. He never stopped going to Lavalette and it held such a special place in his heart as he continued to share it with his growing family.

After attending Rider College on a baseball scholarship Craig married and raised his family in Morristown, NJ. He took his success in growing several businesses to become a founding partner of Westwind Solutions. He was a dedicated businessman, and so proud of his children, he worked to give them the best. He and their mother continued to raise their children together as they both moved on to new phases of their lives.

Craig was a devoted son to his mother and father who remained in Red Bank. He navigated the difficult path of caring for his dad and later his mom. He moved back to Red Bank in 2001 and met his wife Kathleen who lived across the street. Front porches in Red Bank remain a blessing.

Eventually, Craig and Kathleen married and moved to Little Silver. He was a “die hard” Yankee fan and devoted Giants fan. They both enjoyed Sunday football, music and traveling. When Craig retired he wanted to travel and see all parts of the world. From visiting his children in California, cruising around ports of Alaska to listening to songs and stories in the pubs of Ireland.

Craig so enjoyed being in the company of his friends and family. And there was never a shortage of invitations, usually in a 5am text to join him later for anything from breakfast, to going out for the game, to wanting to talk about planning another getaway or adventure.

His therapy was his piano and he was always thrilled to fill the house with willing singers on any night of the week. He made friends wherever he went, and more than once those fast friends would go from chatting on a local bar stool to singing alongside Craig at his piano.

Craig fell in love with the rescue dogs “Kathleenie” brought into his life and was so proud to help her launch Pet’s General Store in Little Silver. He was a great cheerleader for the store and would strike up a conversation with anyone in town walking a dog and encourage them to visit.

Craig was so grateful for and loved his family and his friends. He was a kind person and would do all that he could to help someone, make life more fun, and embrace life’s adventures.

Craig is survived by his wife and children whom he adored, Kathleen Fox-Smith, his son Drew Smith, his daughter Gessica Smith, his brother Les Smith, his nieces and nephews, his brothers and sisters in-law and so many cherished friends. He is predeceased by his parents and his brother Glenn. He was also a loving dog dad to Kaley, Reilly and Rory.

A private service was held and a celebration of life will be scheduled at a later date. We would be honored if you chose to make a donation in Craig’s memory to your favorite charity or to the Tinton Falls Associated Humane Society and Popcorn Park Zoo refuge at AHSCares.org.