The Franklin Reporter & Advocate Eight Villages, One Community
Daniel Peter Smith, 74 years old, passed away on November 7.
Dan was a lifelong New Jerseyan. He was born in New Brunswick. At the age of 4 the family moved to Franklin Township to a home Dan lived in for the rest of his life. After his father died, Dan cared for his mother until her death at 97.
Dan was a mechanical prodigy. As a young boy, he had the ability to diagnose and repair small engines. During his high school years, he started a lawnmower repair business out of the family garage. His career was as a mechanic with the Somerset County Maintenance Department.
Dan enjoyed time with his friends at Kelly’s, listening to Dwight Yoakam on the juke box. He was an avid Nascar fan. On nice summer Sundays he could be found sitting on the patio listening to the race on his transistor radio. On other days he’d be listening to 50’s Rock and Roll. He lived an uncomplicated life; no email, no internet.
Dan is survived by his sister, Zitaeileen (Smith) Hudnut, and brother and sister-in-law, Thomas Cullen and Stevie Smith. He leaves 4 nephews and 7 grand- nieces and nephews.
Calling hours will be held 10-11 a.m. November 14 at the Gleason Funeral Home, 1360 Hamilton Street.
A funeral service will begin at 11 a.m. at the funeral home.
Committal service will follow at St. Peter Cemetery in New Brunswick.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Visiting Nurse Association of Central Jersey, 1433 Hooper Ave., Toms River, NJ 08753.
