Andrew Francis Smetana

Andrew Francis Smetana, age 92, of Lebanon, NJ passed away on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at the Hunterdon Medical Center in Raritan Twp., NJ. 

He was born to his parents, Andrew A. Smetana and Marian Walls Smetana on June 1, 1930 in St. Mary’s Hospital, Paterson, NJ.  He lived his early years in Clifton, NJ and was educated in the St. Paul Elementary School and Clifton Public Schools.  He was graduated from St. Mary’s High School, and Seton Hall University both in N.J.   Andy was employed as a Research Chemist for the U.S. Army at Picatinny Arsenal in Dover, NJ.

In 1956 Andy and Marilyn Davey Smetana were married in Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in North Arlington, NJ.  At that time Andy was serving his required two years of active military service, and was stationed at Camp Darby in Livorno, Italy. The young couple lived in Marina di Pisa, Italy until the end of 1957 when they returned to the States to establish their home.  Andy continued his career at Picatinny Arsenal and the couple began raising their family of six children.  For several years Andy coached Little League and youth football, was an active Leader in Boy Scouts, and organized the Holy Name church activities and Annual Fair at St. Mary’s Church in Wharton, NJ.

In 1994 Andy and Marilyn moved to Pine Knoll Shores, on the Crystal Coast of NC, where they enjoyed 25+ years of wonderful retirement.  During those years, Andy was a volunteer with the Pine Knoll Shores Rescue Squad and served as Chief.  He also served on the Board of Directors of the Country Club of the Crystal Coast for many years.  In 2019 Andy and Marilyn returned to NJ to be closer to family and shared a lovely senior apartment in the Lebanon home of their daughter Kate, RN and husband, Pastor Ken Staples.

Andy is survived by his wife of 66+ years, Marilyn, and 6 children: Regina Smetana Kaufmann (Joseph) of Corbin City, NJ; Susan Smetana Boysen (Todd) of Lakeway, TX; Andrew of Wantage, NJ; Paul (Jennifer) of Lake Conashaugh, PA; Catherine (Kate) Staples (Kenneth), of Lebanon, NJ; Tracey Clements (Jeffrey) of Colleyville, TX; 18 Grandchildren and 8 Great Grandchildren.  Andy was pre-deceased by his parents and sister Janice Smetana Goodyear.

A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, January 21, 2023 at 12pm at Church of the Holy Spirit, 3 Haytown Road, Lebanon, NJ.  Interment will take place in the St. Francis by the Sea Columbarium, N.C. at a later date. 

Arrangements by Scarponi-Bright Funeral Home in Lebanon, NJ. 

Memorials can be made in Andrew’s name to the South Branch Emergency Services, PO Box 5265, Clinton, NJ 08809.

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