Obituary of Thomas J. Smires

Thomas J. Smires, 86 of Lawrenceville passed away peacefully on Saturday at Compassionate Care at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital surrounded by his loving family.

Born in Lawrence Township Tom was a lifelong resident. He started his career as a mechanic’s assistant at the former Al Mason’s Garage at the age of 15. By the age of 29 he became the owner of an Atlantic Gas and Service station on Rt.1 for 12 years. He also served in the 50th Armored Division of the NJ National Guard where he served from 1949 until his discharge as a Technical Sergeant in 1961.

In 1972 he became the first township employed driver for the Slackwood Volunteer Fire Company, Station 21, retiring in 1997 from a career that spanned 25 years. He joined the fire company at age 18 and held numerous positions over the years including serving as Chief and serving as Assistant Deputy Chief for 34 years. His mechanical knowledge, organizational skills and determination as a Fire Co. Trustee, Tom was a proven asset to the success of the Slackwood Fire Company.  Tom’s numerous awards include those from NJ Governor Florio and Senate President DiFrancesco for his outstanding public service, the Lawrence Township Council for his dedication and commitment to its citizens, from Congressman Chris Smith for his commitment to fire service and the title of “Honorary Chief” from the Prospect Heights Fire Co. He was also a member of the NJ State Fireman’s Association and the NJ State Fire Chief’s Association.

In his spare time Tom enjoyed rebuilding his 1965 Mustang convertible and his 1953 Farmal tractor.

Son of the late Clarence and Marjorie Janatt Smires, brother of the late Clarence “Pete” Smires and Eleanor Napolean, Tom is survived by his loving wife of 67 years Christina DeFrancesco Smires, daughter Alice Kmiec and her husband Joseph, his beloved grandchildren, Thomas and Lisa Kmiec, his sisters, Estella Smires, Clara Briggs and her husband George and Diane Smires; his brother, Edward Smires; his sister-in-law Marie Cleary; his sister-in-law and brother-in-law Arlene and George Butkosky; his brother-in-law Dominick DeFrancesco, Jr., a special cousin Carlton Smires and his wife Paulette, and many nieces and nephews.

The funeral for Tom will begin on Thursday at 11 AM at Poulson & Van Hise Funeral Directors, 650 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 12 Noon at the Church of St. Ann, 1253 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville. Entombment will follow in the Ewing Cemetery Mausoleum.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held on Wednesday from 4 to 7 PM at the funeral home. Slackwood Fire Company will hold services at 7 PM

In lieu of flowers the family would prefer donations in Tom’s memory to either the Slackwood Volunteer Fire Co., 21 Slack Ave., Lawrenceville 08648 or to Special Olympics NJ through InMemoryof-Memorial.org.