Harold G. Smith

Harold G. “Smitty” Smith, age 100, of Wayne passed Thursday, May 11, 2023, with the comfort of family by his side.

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“The Rest of the Story” (courtesy of Paul Harvey)

Dad’s Mom Shafika “Sophie” Hanna Abi’Mansour, immigrated to the US thru Ellis Island just after the turn of the century with her first husband, Kosma Dammous Selloum in an arranged marriage, from current day Lebanon at 16, taking up residence in Brooklyn, NY.  Following the birth of 5 kids, he left them.  She then met and married our Dad’s Father, Harry.  The general story of our Grandfather Harry was that he was a German immigrant who himself, upon arrival at Ellis Island, had a difficult name and was given the name “Harry Smith” by the immigration officials – which he cheerfully accepted as a newly minted US citizen.  Alternately, there were rumors that his last name was actually “Wingate”… which seemed simple enough to spell and not exactly German.  Nevertheless, that’s what we knew / know.

Together they moved to Hoboken, NJ and had 4 children together.  One of nine children in total, our Dad was born to Harry and Sophie Smith on January 6^th, 1923.  Harry died of tuberculosis in 1932, leaving our Grandmother, Dad (age 9), and his 8 siblings to fend for themselves at the height of the Great Depression.  Later, our grandmother met Joe Labbeke, a Dutch Merchant Marine who elected to “jump ship” in the Port of NY.  At first he dated our Grandmother’s oldest daughter, our Aunt Emily, but ultimately fell in love and married our Grandmother and became the man we knew as our Grandfather.

So that’s the context of our Dad’s early life and Family.  Understandably, and no doubt the result of those experiences, Dad was a huge Family man – his parents & siblings, our Family, and later, our Families (grandkids and Great Grandkids).  He also became a master storyteller.  His stories ran the gamut from his childhood to the Army & WWII to meeting and marrying my Mom and everything in between.

As a child, Dad ran in the streets of Hoboken with his older brothers, playing marbles on the church steps betting with match sticks, and running numbers to help bring in much needed money during the great depression. Life Lesson: “Provide for your Family”

He shared a story in which he and his brother Vic climbed a telephone pole, hoisted then placed an overturned garbage can on top.  As the “cops” arrived and they tried to flee, Uncle Vic got caught on the pole by his pant leg, suspended upside down.  While they got caught, they broke free, hustling thru the streets of Hoboken to get home safely.  (There used to be a TV show called “The Bowery Boys” … which seemed to echo Dad’s stories… perhaps some of those episodes were inspired by his true-life exploits.) Dad attended the same high school as the one and only, Frank Sinatra.  While in High School, Frank, already graduated, came back to Demarest High School to perform, and “snaked” Dad’s girlfriend which, as you might imagine, left a sour taste in his mouth as Frank wooed her away with his crooning abilities. Despite the loss of a girlfriend, Dad remained a HUGE Frank Sinatra fan. Life Lesson: “Don’t hold grudges”

As children we were subjected to the Lawrence Welk show that both he and Mom loved.  To say that it was painful to watch would be an understatement as we were unwillingly introduced to the show.  We specifically found pain in the singing of Irish Tenor, Joe Feeny. The one saving grace on the show was the young, talented, and beautiful Anacani Echeverria, who the boys adored (even if we weren’t necessarily old enough to understand why).  But as “The Lawrence Welk Show” preceded “Mutual of Omaha’s Wild Kingdom” and “The Wonderful World of Disney” we soldiered on.  Life Lesson: “You have to give to get”

With the outbreak of WWII, the call to action for young men was palpable, made even more urgent with the attack on Pearl Harbor.  One by one, the 5 older brothers enlisted, with our Uncles Vic, Jimmy & Charlie in the Navy, and our Uncle Phillip and Dad in the Army.  Following basic training, Infantry training and reconnaissance school, Dad deployed to England.  Originally deployed as a replacement, upon discovery of his recon training, the undermanned 29^th ID Recon Company pulled him into their formation.  His platoon was aligned to the 116^th Regiment.  With his newly assigned unit, Dad participated in the pre-invasion train up at Slapton Sands and then Operation Overlord, the invasion of France, as part of the first wave on Omaha Beach on June 6^th, 1944.  He stayed with the Division, fighting across France, the Netherlands & Belgium, culminating in Bremen when the war ended.

After the war, he reenlisted, serving as a part of the occupation force in West Berlin before ultimately completing two additional tours Stateside, completing 10 years of active-duty service, and achieving the rank of Technical Sergeant (E7).  His service, as well as that of his four brothers, inspired their youngest brother, Harry, too young for WWII, to enlist in the US Marine Corps and fight in Korea – despite his Mother’s protests. Life Lesson: “Service to Country matters”

After a proud and successful military career, Harold met his wife to be, Aurora Zanin in 1957.  They first met at the Chestnut Lodge in the Poconos, with Dad proposing to her on their first date.  My Mom’s response, “What are you, nuts?”.  Yet, he persisted, and she acquiesced, marrying on November 8^th, 1958.  Life Lesson: “If it’s worth having, it’s worth pursuing”

Marrying relatively later in life, there was an apparent sense of urgency to have children.  In the span of 5 years, they had the four of us: Cliff, Louise “Wease”, Steve, & Dave.  Life Lesson: “Set priorities and stick to them”

After Cliff’s birth, they moved to the North Jersey town of Saddle Brook, buying a small “Cape Cod” home within walking distance of our Grammar School.  That was where we shared our formative years under our parent’s oversight and, at least for us, remains “home”.  There, they provided us all we needed, each working hard giving us a wonderful childhood.

Dad worked as a “warper” at a textile mill in Little Ferry, NJ near current day Teterboro Airport.  (Now you’re asking yourself… “what’s a warper? In the textile industry, it is both the machine used to wind warp ends in preparation for weaving and the title of the individual operating said machine… “the more you know”).

He worked there for many years but was let go when the company folded in the early 70’s. Unwilling to accept unemployment, he landed a job as a driver / delivery man for McGraw Hill Publishing and Time Life Magazine bringing clients and products in and out of New York City for many years, all on tight timelines that he met without fail. He was later hired back by his original firm, now under new ownership, to again serve as a warper until all four kids were grown and out of the house.  He transitioned one more time, completing his “working career” as a school crossing guard for Saddle Brook Township for 15 years, from 1985 – 2001, including several years serving alongside his brother Jimmy who lived just up the street from his post.  Life Lesson: “Earn your way in life and provide for your Family”

For our Dad, discipline and a strong work ethic were a thing.  He was a strict, yet loving father and he modeled the work ethic and values he sought to instill in us.  He expected everyone to do their part without hesitation and to do every assigned task “to standard”.  As young kids, he would publish a weekly “duty roster,” prominently posted on the inside door of the center kitchen cabinet.  It outlined who was responsible for what each night – washing, drying, clearing the table, and sweeping the floor.  Outside, he’d line us up in the spring and summer to conduct “police call”.  Sweeping the front and backyard for debris, admonishing us, “if it isn’t living, pick it up”.  He’d inspect our rooms for cleanliness and to ensure we’d made our beds.  At the table, he expected us to eat whatever my Mom cooked and was on our plates.  Homework was to be done and he’d review it, call out errors and make us “fix them”.  (Dave probably recalls that last bit in vivid detail.) Infractions of any of the aforementioned items did not end well.  Life Lesson: “If it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing correctly”

He enjoyed and proved to be an exceptional home gardener, enthusiastically growing a variety of fresh vegetables for family and neighbors.  Gardening was a great joy to him as he found solace in the activity which he did, as with all things, with meticulous detail.  He was most proud of his HUGE Jersey Tomatoes, some weighing as much as two pounds each.  Life Lesson: “Find something you enjoy doing… and do it”

When Cliff became a Cub/Boy Scout, Dad volunteered to serve as an assistant scout master, running the pack along with former Army Drill Sargent, Don Cypher (imagine that fun).  Together, they instilled a discipline and taught us “field craft”.   During camping trips, neither Dad nor Mr. Cypher exhibited much sympathy for the cold and sometimes overwhelming weather conditions. “It builds character, they both explained”, to our tremendous dismay along with our fellow “Scouts”.  We looked at them both in amazement and fear.  Between these two hardened veterans, they created one tough group of scouts who never quit, looking up to them with sincere admiration.  Life Lesson: “99% of your limits are in your head”

Although not a huge sports nut, Dad was an avid Yankee fan.  As a result, so are we. He would routinely share stories about the Yankees from his childhood… yes, those Yankees – Ruth, Gehrig, DiMaggio, Berra, et.al.  Whether listening to them on the radio, watching them on TV or going to the game.  And, like most of us, when they lost, he somehow found a way to blame himself for watching and “causing them to lose”!  But that of course was never the case, to wit, he attended Game 6 of the 1977 World Series with our Grandfather Orazio (Mom’s Dad) at which Reggie Jackson hit 3 HR’s and earned the moniker “Mr. October”.  Life Lesson: “Yankees Rule”

In 2021, Mom & Dad moved from Saddle Brook to Wayne, NJ, getting a condominium called the Four Seasons where they lived together for the next 23 years.  As grandchildren began “arriving”, Dad’s disposition changed dramatically.  Gone was the strict disciplinarian and stoic.  More stories began to flow, in greater and sometimes, “startling” detail… like wait… what?  Holy cow Dad!  While the four of us were spread across the Country / World… we would reassemble for major Family events at their new home, celebrating and sharing our own stories… and often, revealing some of our own “added details” to what our parent’s “thought they knew”.  Life Lesson: “Home is not a place, it’s your Family”

As the year’s passed and Mom’s health and memory began to fade, there was an amazing “role reversal”.  Dad stepped up “big league,” assuming full responsibility as her sole care provider.  He did the cooking, the cleaning, the shopping, the pill sorting, the bills … he did it all and pushed back against any offers of assistance, with a gentle, “No, no, thank you.  That’s my responsibility”. Life Lesson: “You are responsible for your Family”

In January of this year, we had the privilege of celebrating our Dad’s 100^th birthday.  It was an amazing celebration and an incredible milestone. Towards the end of last year, with Dad’s health failing, and shortly after his birthday, we made the decision to move them to the Sunrise Assisted Living community in Fairfield, NJ.  They spent the last 4 months together there and we remained routine fixtures in their lives, visiting often, assisting them as necessary, and basking in the warmth of their eternal love story.  Life Lesson: “We are our Father’s Keeper”

Cliff:  Dad was a very supportive father, when his schedule permitted, teaching his eldest son, Cliff to pitch sidearm like Sandy Koufax. At a young age Cliff was a dangerous threat to opposing teams, which brought him great joy watching him throw his one and only no-hitter. Cliff now resides in San Diego California after a 33-year career with Marriott Hotels. Life Lesson: “Teaching and Learning is a Life Sport”

Wease:  As Dad’s only daughter I can confidently say I was treated in a gentler way growing up.   Having a very difficult childhood, Dad was hardened in many ways.  A child of the Great Depression, losing his own father at the age of nine and being in World War II it is no wonder he was a tough guy.   But, despite all that he had a gentler side that few got to see.  As he aged it would become more apparent, but I was lucky enough to get that side of him early on.  Every night as a child he would come to kiss me good night and tell me our special story.  He dubbed me “Princess Louise” and would make up magical stories that included my brothers coming to my rescue. I married my high school sweetheart, Mark, in 2016 and have three adult, married daughters, Lindsay, Jackie, and Melanie.  Lindsay and her husband, Yaron have a young son, Aiden, and a beautiful baby daughter, Becca.  No matter the kind of day Dad might be having, a visit, or a shared video or picture of his great grandbabies would bring so much joy.  Jackie and her husband Mike are both in the medical field.  Jackie has been our parents’ constant in everything related to their medical care and beyond.  My Dad would call her all the time and she would drop everything to be by his side.  Their relationship was extra special.  Melanie and her husband Kevin are expecting their first baby in September.  Melanie was Dad’s personal hair stylist as her skills he could not deny.  He loved her sense of humor, and they would have long talks.  He imparted his wisdom and opinions often and all the “kids” would listen and absorb intently.  He had no problem posing for selfies and being silly with them.  They will carry his memory with them always.  To feel so loved and protected is something I was privileged to feel throughout my life.   I will love and miss him forever.  Life Lesson: “Love is All”

Steve: My Dad’s life and influence on me cannot be overstated.  Like my siblings, I am steeped in the lessons he taught us.  My memories of him are vivid and I am thankful to have had the privilege of being his son.  As a child of the 70’s… long hair was a thing, for me and my brothers.  While Dad hated it, because I was a pretty good student, he kept his feelings somewhat at bay.  I guess his biggest lesson for me was his sense of duty.  His military service inspired my own.  In retrospect, my mistake was not letting him know my intentions sooner.  I applied and pursued entry into the US Military Academy “in secret,” largely because I didn’t want to be embarrassed if I failed to get in.  But as the process went forward and I needed a military physical, not yet owning a car, I had to ask my Dad to drive me to Fort Dix. From that day forward, I could do “no wrong”.  Instead of chastising me for my hair or coming home late, Dad became my biggest supporter and advocate, to the point he’d push back on my behalf to my Mom if she was on my case about something, “Aww come on Aurora, he’s gonna be a Soldier for crying out loud.”   I married my own High School sweetheart, Irene (although she hates me saying that since technically, we didn’t begin dating until late in our Senior Year… but I’m writing this, so too bad).  We have two wonderful adult children of our own, Steve and Kelly. Growing up as “Army Brats,” they didn’t get to know my Dad as well as my Sister’s daughters, but nevertheless, were always a central focus of any conversation I had with my Dad, even until the very end.  Life Lesson: “Service to Country and something bigger than yourself is an obligation”

Dave:  Being the youngest of four siblings you'd think I'd be the spoiled one by my Dad, you'd be wrong. Trust me, I felt his wrath and in all cases I deserved it. My Dad didn't have the patience for misbehavior. He was old school and is what is missing in today's world. There have been so many great memories of my dad but one simple one stands out. I remember when I was young sitting on the stoop waiting for my dad to come home from work. He’d make that right turn and I’d see that big old Chevy station wagon (’62 Bel Air) and he slowed down and stopped and waited for me to run toward the car. The door would open, and I'd sit on his lap and grab the steering wheel. From there he'd let me steer the rest of the way home while he controlled the gas and brake pedals. He would tell me good job David as we parked in the driveway.  It's the little things that I'll remember of my Dad. Like Steve, I followed in my Dad’s military footsteps, enlisting, and serving as a Marine for 10+ years.  I met and married my wife Emily, (who also served as a Marine, for 20+ years) and together, we have two adult children, Justin, and Dani.  Justin, currently serving as a Marine, is himself married to Emily, with a young Son, Keanu, and another on the way.  Dani is living in CA and is an aspiring actress.  I love you Dad and miss you.  Love David.  Life Lesson: “Little things matter”  

In lieu of flowers, those planning an expression of sympathy in Harold’s name are asked to consider donating to Children of Fallen Patriots.  Children of Fallen Patriots provides college scholarships and educational counseling to military children who have lost a parent in the line of duty.  Donations can be made online at Donate to CFP Donation Page (fallenpatriots.org) or by mail, with a note indicating the donation is “in honor of Harold G. Smith” and addressed to:

Children of Fallen Patriots

1818 Library Street

Suite 500

Reston, VA 20190

Total: $

Tax ID – EIN#: 47-0902295