After a long battle against ALS and frontotemporal dementia, Paul Smith, of Marlton, NJ, passed away peacefully surrounded by loved ones. Born in Camden, NJ, on September 14, 1955, Paul lived a life defined by integrity, humor, and love—a rare combination that touched everyone fortunate enough to know him.

Though he held a variety of roles throughout his career—from IT consultant and business owner to salesperson—Paul's legacy was never measured by job titles. He was brilliant and endlessly curious, but above all, he believed deeply that "people are the most important in your life." That belief shaped everything he did.

The most life-changing moment for Paul happened not in a boardroom or on a sideline, but in a Radio Shack in Philadelphia, where 47 years ago, he met the love of his life. When Stacey walked in, he knew instantly—this was the person he wanted to spend the rest of his life with. True to form, his proposal was as straightforward and genuine as he was: "So, you think we should get married?". And that they did, building a life filled with laughter, friendship, and unwavering devotion, in sickness and in health. Their bond was a quiet but powerful example of what it means to love fully and selflessly, day after day, year after year.

Of all his roles, the one Paul treasured most was being a father. He was the center of his daughter Danielle's world—and she was his. Two peas in a pod, they were rarely seen apart. Whether it was school drop-offs and pick-ups, basketball games, evening trips to the road stand, walks around Princeton or just daily life, Paul showed up, always. He was endlessly supportive, unconditionally loving, and made it known that nothing came before family. He wasn't just a dad to Danielle, he became a second father to many of her friends—welcoming them with warmth and his signature dark sense of humor.

Paul also poured that same love and dedication into his community through years of volunteer coaching and building incredibly rich, long-lasting neighborhood friendships. He had a wonderful capacity for prioritizing and accepting others, nurturing confidence, and creating inclusive spaces for everyone to feel seen, valued, and supported. Paul was always there for people in any way he could be - whether it be helping them cope and grow with humor, sharing yet another important "must know" sports fact, or preaching the gospel of Bruce Springsteen.

Paul was an incredible husband, father, brother, son, friend, and coach. He is predeceased by his parents, Estelle and Thomas Smith; his Mother-in-Law, Annette Metzger; his brother, Tom Smith, and his sister Lois Copsetta. He is survived by his beloved wife, Stacey Smith; his cherished daughter, Danielle Smith; his fur-daughter, Chloe Elizabeth Smith; his sister, Helen Smith; and an extended circle of cousins, nephews, and friends who became family over the years.

To know Paul was to know loyalty, laughter, and love. He lived fully, loved deeply, and left the world far better than he found it.

The family is deeply grateful for the outpouring of love and support during this time. In accordance with Paul's wishes, services will be held privately. We kindly invite you to honor his memory by sharing a favorite story or tribute in the guest book below.

In lieu of flowers to his family, please remember Paul with a donation in his memory to: Animal Welfare Association at https://give.awanj.org/give/ (please write "in memory of Paul R. Smith" in the leave a comment box) or to Samaritan Hospice at https://www.samaritannj.org/ or by mail to Samaritan Gift Processing Center, PO Box 71425, Philadelphia, PA 19176-1425. Please make check payable to Samaritan and write in memo, Paul R. Smith.

Funeral Arrangements and Inquiries through: McCann-Healey Funeral Home: Gloucester City, NJ 08030. Ph: 856-456-1142.