In Memoriam: Red Bank-Raised RBC 2014 Grad, Connor Smith, 29

Red Bank-raised Red Bank Catholic High School (RBC) graduate, Connor Richard Smith, more recently of St. Paul, MI, passed away peacefully from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on Oct. 18, surrounded by his loving family and closest friends. He was 29.

Connor was born on Oct. 18, 1995 in Red Bank to Sean and Elaine Smith.

“At an early age Connor developed a true love for sports, participating in baseball, basketball, and football. He was a truly gifted and exceptional athlete. Connor attended St. James Elementary school and was a graduate of Red Bank Catholic High School, Class of 2014. He excelled in the classroom, on the field, and was a great teammate and friend to all who were lucky enough to know him. Connor was an active member of the community, participating in charitable events.

“Connor always dreamed of continuing his academic and athletic career; but. unfortunately, his struggles with life and the challenges it threw at him derailed his dream.

“He moved to Minnesota in July 2023 and began a remarkable journey to achieve the life he always deserved. Connor was largely involved in the St. Paul sober community, working through the program to better himself, those around him, and touching the lives of everyone he met. He took others under his wing, showing them just how much life could offer. He was enrolled in college and had dreams of becoming a drug and alcohol addiction recovery counselor to further the help he could give to others. Connor also began speaking at high schools telling his story in hopes of impacting the lives of future generations. Connor’s final gift was donating his organs and in the end was able to give a second chance to three deserving people. His heart continues to beat.”
Loved ones of Connor Smith in his obituary

Connor was pre-deceased by: his father, Sean R. Smith; his maternal grandfather, Charles J. Ries; his paternal grandfather, John R. Smith; and his great uncle, Paul J. Suda.

He is survived by: his mother, Elaine F. Smith, of Tinton Falls; his brother, Sean C. Smith, of Atlantic Highlands; his maternal grandmother, Carmen Ries, Goodyear, AZ; his paternal grandmother, Margaret Smith, of Red Bank; his aunts and uncles, Kevin and Jennifer Ries, of Brooksville, FL, Steve and Eileen (Ries) Lulewicz, of Goodyear, AZ, and Dave and Kellie (Smith) Wickersham, of Rumson; his cousins, Charlie and Kevin Ries and Brooks and Margot Wickersham.

“Connor will be missed dearly by his family and friends in Minnesota and New Jersey.”

Memorial visitation will be held on Thursday, Nov. 7, from 4 to p.m. at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank. A memorial mass will be held on Friday, Nov. 8, at 10 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Retreat, “In Memory of Connor R. Smith”, 1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391.

— Edited obituary prepared by family via Thompson Memorial Home