Obituary of Vincent Reeder Smith, Jr.

Vincent Reeder Smith, Jr., 92, of Washington, New Jersey, passed away peacefully at his home on May 4, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.

Born and raised in Washington, Vincent remained a lifelong member of the community he cherished. He graduated from Washington High School in 1951, where he was an active student-athlete, playing both basketball and football.

On June 19, 1954, Vincent married the love of his life, Frances DeGirolmo Smith. Together they shared 65 wonderful years of marriage before her passing in 2019. They built a life centered on family, raising their three children—April, Vincent, and Lee Ann—in Washington. Vincent was a devoted husband and a loving, dedicated father whose quiet strength and steady presence shaped the lives of those around him.

Vincent enjoyed a long and respected career with New Jersey Bell Telephone Company, where he worked for 40 years. He spent the first 20 years as a lineman and the latter 20 years as a Line Foreman. Even after retirement, his strong work ethic continued, as he worked part-time for 15 years with the Washington Borough Road Department and for 25 years at DeVoe Funeral Home.

A pillar of public service, Vincent dedicated much of his life to helping others. He was a member of the Washington Borough Fire Department for 50 years, proudly serving as Chief from 1970 to 1971—at the time, the youngest Chief in the department’s history. He also volunteered with the Washington Emergency Squad for 28 years, serving as Captain in 1968 and 1969, and was a past president of the Warren County Fire Chiefs Association. Additionally, Vincent gave back to his community as a past president of the Washington Redskins Youth Football Association.

Vincent was a man of deep faith and lifelong commitment to his church. He was a devoted member and former Elder of the First Presbyterian Church of Washington. He was also a longtime member of Mansfield Masonic Lodge #36.

In his leisure time, Vincent was an enthusiastic Philadelphia sports fan. He especially enjoyed cheering on the Eagles, Phillies, and 76ers, finding joy in watching the games and sharing that passion with family.

Vincent is survived by his loving children: Vincent Smith; April Hendershot and her husband Harvey; and Lee Ann Kubbishun and her husband Stan. He is also survived by his cherished grandchildren: Tommy DeBacco and his wife Ronda; Harvey Hendershot Jr. and his wife Karie; Nicholas Smith and his wife Alicia; Morgan Smith; Sarah Smith; Kayla Seanor and her husband Greg; and Kendall Kubbishun.

He was the proud great-grandfather of Brittanie Klucker and her husband Corey; Jordan DeBacco and her husband Jesse; Thomas DeBacco and his fiancée Ciara; Aidan Smith; Owen Smith; Teddy Seanor; and Benny Seanor. He is further survived by his great-great-grandchildren, Liam Klucker and Audrey Klucker.

Vincent also leaves behind his sister-in-law, Patricia Smith; his companion, Joanne Linehan; and a large extended family who will miss him dearly.

He was predeceased by his beloved wife, Frances Smith; his parents, Vincent Smith, Sr. and Argie Smith; his brothers, Jay Smith and his wife Gloria, and Lee Smith; and his daughter-in-law, Laura Smith.

Family and friends are invited to pay their respects on Friday, May 8, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m. at the First Presbyterian Church of Washington, 40 East Church Street, Washington, New Jersey. A funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. at the church.

Interment will take place at Pequest Union Cemetery, where Vincent will be laid to rest beside his beloved wife.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Vincent’s memory may be made to the Washington Borough Fire Department at 100 Belvidere Avenue Washington, New Jersey 07882.