David Charles Smith

David Charles Smith, 68, of Hope, NJ passed away peacefully on January 18, 2023 at Overlook Hospital in Summit, NJ with his loving family by his side.

Born to Lisa Peterson and Charles Smith in Orange, NJ on February 18, 1954. The second oldest of four siblings he was raised in Newark before moving to Denville in 1967. Dave attended Morris Knolls High School, County College of Morris and Trenton State College, now TCNJ. He met his wife of 43 years Monica McEvoy working in ShopRite Rockaway during college.   He was very proud of his wife Monica Smith who is a retired teacher in the Blairstown district working in special education field.  David served as a police officer in Randolph Township for 30 years rising to the rank of Lieutenant. After retiring from the police force Dave returned to his alma mater CCM as Assistant Head of Security for 10 years before retiring a second time.

Dave loved spending time outdoors and could often be found walking his dog or falling asleep in the sunshine. He had a strong sweet tooth and frequently got out of bed to hunt for cookies in the kitchen. He adored his grandchildren and spent countless hours chasing them around or playing mean pirate, but had a healthy aversion to changing a diaper. He could not sit still (unless he was napping, which was often) and was always happy to help someone in need. Dave was a dedicated husband, devoted brother and father, and doting grandfather; he will be greatly missed.

Dave leaves behind his wife Monica, sisters Sherri, Deb, and Lisa, his daughter Kate and her husband Andrew Roncinske, his son Chris and his wife Jenna Smith, and his grandchildren Dylan, Cooper, David, and Charleigh; as well as many cousins, in-laws and nieces and nephews.

Family and friends may pay their respects on Tuesday, January 24, 2023 from 4-6:30 PM at the Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840 Service celebrating David’s life will be held at 6:30 in the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in David’s name to the 11th Hour Rescue at www.ehrdogs.org

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Maguire-Scala Memorial Home, 124 High Street, Hackettstown, NJ 07840. To send an online condolence please visit www.maguire-scalamemorialhome.com