Paul Joseph Smith, Sr., 88, of The Villages, FL passed away on Saturday, November 1, 2014. Paul was born March 15, 1926 in Orange, NJ to James and Bertha Smith. Paul served in the Navy and after being discharged joined the Army Air Force where he became a fighter pilot. After Paul (or “Smitty” as he was often called) retired as Fire Captain for east Orange, NJ he moved his family to Florham Park, NJ where he was recreation director and later transportation coordinator for the school system. Paul and his wife of 60 years, Mary O’Brien Smith, raised four wonderful children. When the youngest went to college, Paul and Mary moved to Naples, Florida where they resided for 30 years. Paul is survived by his wife Mary; four children, Paul J., Jr. and Joslyn, Kathryn, Thomas, and Christopher and Elaine; eight grandchildren and a brother, Larry. The family held a private service on November 2, 2014 and will celebrate his life with a mass and military memorial service in the future. In honor of Paul, please donate to St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, The Villages, Florida or Villages Cornerstone Hospice, The Villages, Florida.
