Donald William Smith, Sr., 81, passed away on Friday, December 5, 2025, at his home in Glen Spey, NY.

Born in Somerset, NJ, to the late Louise and Willard Smith, Don grew up in South Plainfield, graduating from South Plainfield High School, Class of 1963. Following graduation, he enlisted in the United States Air Force, serving for four years, before his honorable discharge in 1968. During his time in the Air Force, he served as a cook, and was stationed in Korea for over a year.

Out of the military, Don began his career as a truck driver. First driving for Weldon Concrete, then William Meeker, before starting his own trucking company and driving for United Steel Deck in South Plainfield, which he did for over 30 years. He officially retired in 2008.

In 1967, he was formally introduced to Kathleen Hall, and six years later, in February of 1973, the two were married. Don and Kathy remained in South Plainfield, raising their two children in the borough, until 2005, when they relocated to York, SC, to be closer to their first granddaughter. Then, in 2018, they made one more move to Glen Spey, NY, where they have lived since.

While in South Plainfield, Don was a member of the Polish Home, coached his son in Little league for many years, and helped out with filming his daughters field hockey games. He enjoyed playing tennis and fishing as well. Don was also an avid New York Yankees fan, and would often look forward to watching the games with his grandson, Kevin. Don’s great sense of humor and constant joking around will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

Don is survived by his wife, Kathleen (nee Hall); daughter, Donna DeRuyscher and her husband Jeff; and son, Donald W. Smith, Jr. and his wife Teresa, He will also be deeply missed by his grandchildren, Justin and his wife Debra, Kevin, Joshua, Jon, his wife Tiffany, Tyler, and Isabella; great grandchildren, Madison, Emma, and Mason; Brother, Robert J. Smith; and niece, Barbara, along with a host of extended relatives and friends.

A visitation will be held at the McCriskin – Gustafson Home for Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ, on Thursday, December 11, 2025, from 11 AM to 1 PM.

Funeral services will take place in the funeral home on Thursday, December 11, 2025, beginning at 1 PM.

Burial will take place at Hillside Cemetery, 1401 Woodland Avenue, Scotch Plains, NJ.

In lieu of flowers, the Smith family has asked that donations be made to the US Department of Veterans Affairs, in Don’s honor.