Kenneth E. “Kenny” Smith, age 68 years, of Stewartsville, NJ, former longtime resident of Staten Island, NY, died on Monday, June 20, 2016 at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital-Somerset, Somerville, NJ.

Born and raised in the New Brighton section of Staten Island, NY on January 31, 1948, he was the son of the late Howard Smith, Sr. and Elaine Carroll Smith, and had lived in Stewartsville since 2003.

A graduate of Curtis High School, Kenny was a Tow Truck Operator with several companies on Staten Island for many years. He was known by all his patrons to have a quick Irish wit coupled with a very kind and gentle soul.

Kenny was forced to grow up very quick at the young age of fourteen and although life threw many curve balls during that time, he hit every one and came to be very respected and loved by all those who knew him. He will forever be remembered as a loving husband, father, grandfather and friend.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Howard Smith, Jr. in 1963; two daughters, Kristen R. Smith in 1999 and Kelly Ann Smith in 2008; and his father-in-law whom he thought of as his father and vice-versa, Pasquale S. “Pat” Fichera in 2015.

Surviving are his beloved wife who cared for Kenny with an unmatched devotion, Patricia A. “Patti” Fichera Smith, with whom he joined hands in marriage on November 7, 1992; a daughter, Meghan Smith of Columbus, OH; four grandchildren, Andalcio “Andy” Lewis, Devine Lewis, Debra Hurt and Monique Lindsey; two sisters, Julianne Trains and Darlene Cassire and her husband, Michael; a brother, Dennis Smith; his mother-in-law, Nancy A. Scoglio Fichera; his brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, Salvatore and Valerie Fichera, Marie and John Siller and Vincent and Lorraine Fichera; several nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family; and many friends.

Funeral Services will take place on Friday, June 24, 2016 at 9:30 a.m. in Wright & Ford Family Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ. Interment will follow in the family plot at St. Peter’s Cemetery, located at the juncture of Clove Road, Bement Avenue and Tyler Place, Staten Island, NY.

Calling hours will be Thursday, June 23, 2016 from 4:00-8:00 p.m. as well as Friday, June 24, 2016 from 9:00-9:30 a.m. at the funeral home.

Everyone is invited to visit Kenny’s permanent memorial site at www.wrightfamily.com to send a public or private message of condolence and to share stories and photographs of his life.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions to the family to assist with his grandchildren’s care would be greatly appreciated and may be sent c/o Wright & Ford, 38 State Highway 31, Flemington, NJ 08822.