Obituary of Neil R. Smith

Old Bridge - Neil R. Smith, 66, died Monday, October 17, 2016 at Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge. Born in Plainfield, Neil resided in South Plainfield before settling to Old Bridge in 1986. He worked as a line man for Verizon and a member of the Local IBEW 827. Neil enjoyed playing bocce ball, fishing and spending time at the beach. A great dancer, Neil enjoyed watching baseball, Rutgers football, cross country skiing and karaoke. He will be remembered as a loving husband, father, step father and grandfather. Predeceased by his brother and sister, Richard and Janice Smith; surviving are his wife of 30 years, Mary (Thul) of Old Bridge; daughter, Jenny Cook and husband Brandon of South Carolina; three step-children, Charles A. Soriano, Jr. of Levittown, PA, John Soriano and wife Devon of Chatham, NJ and Crystal Somers and husband Joseph of Jackson, NJ; siblings, Karen Thiel of Maryland, Robert Smith of Metuchen and Thomas Smith of South Plainfield. He will also be missed by his seven grandchildren, nine nieces and nephews and a host of extended family. Funeral services will begin on Friday, October 21, 2016 at 10AM in the McCriskin - Gustafson Home For Funerals, 2425 Plainfield Avenue, South Plainfield, NJ 07080 followed by burial in Hillside Cemetery, Scotch Plains. Family and friends may attend visitation on Thursday from 4-8PM in the funeral home.