Bryon Smith

Bryon J. Smith, 80 of Old Bridge, New Jersey passed away on Thursday, June 6, 2024, at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital. Born Friday, January 28, 1944 in Newark, New Jersey, Bryon was the son of the late Joseph and Hedwig Smith. At a young age Bryon would move with his family to Irvington where he would go on to meet his lifelong friends at the lot. He excelled as an athlete, playing both Baseball and Basketball throughout his schooling. In his senior year at Irvington High School, he was captain of both teams, and became a member of the All-State Baseball team, as their first baseman. Years later Bryon was inducted into the Irvington High School Hall of Fame for his many athletic accomplishments on the court and on the diamond, a real pro. After High School Bryon would enlist in the United States Air Force, serving his country honorably, stationed in Montana. Upon earning his honorable discharge Bryon moved home to Irvington and would begin a lifelong career in the Irvington Fire Department. Being a fireman was his passion and spending endless hours with his 'brothers' was always at the top of his list. Eventually Bryon would retire from the Irvington Fire Department with the rank of Lieutenant. Bryon would meet the love of his life, Anna Marie Fagan, and the couple would begin a courtship. They would marry, living in Jersey City briefly, before settling in Old Bridge in 1973. Bryon and Annie would start a family of their own and raise their 4 children in Old Bridge. Bryon was a family man through and through and opened his home to anyone who needed a laugh or a bed. Bryon spent 'two good weekends' making the Smith house a home where everyone wanted to be. In his spare time Bryon enjoyed going golfing, bowling, playing cards, and entertaining everyone. He loved his trips out to Las Vegas and going to the racetrack to bet on the horses. More than anything Bryon loved spending time with his family. Whether it was traveling, watching his grandchildren play sports or just spending time at home with everyone, he wanted to be surrounded by those that he loved. He will be missed by all those that were blessed to have him in their lives. Bryon was predeceased by his beloved wife Annie, and by his siblings, Lenny Smith and Arlene Jones. Bryon is survived by his loving sons, Lee and his wife Annemarie, Todd and his wife Kathleen, Brad and his wife Kristen, and his daughter Jean Marie, by his cherished grandchildren, Kaitlyn, John, Sophia, Andrew, and Jackson, and by many loving nieces, nephews, cousins, and great friends. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to N.J. State Organization of Cystic Fibrosis, PO Box 3648, Wayne, N.J. 07474 or to Tunnel to Towers Organization at https://t2t.org/donate/ The family will receive friends from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM on Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Michael Hegarty & John Vincent Scalia Home For Funerals and Cremation Service, 3377 US Highway 9, Old Bridge, New Jersey. A Funeral Mass will be held at 10:30 AM on Thursday at Saint Ambrose located at 83 Throckmorton Ln Old Bridge, New Jersey 08857. Interment will be in Marlboro Memorial Cemetery, Morganville, NJ.

Bryon Smith

January 28, 1944 - June 6, 2024