Obituary of Wilfred Paul Smith
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Wilfred Paul Smith Sr. passed away on Saturday October 12. He was 89 years old.
Born in Highlands, New Jersey, he had moved to Denville in 1948.
He was a pioneer in the drive-in movie theater business, and his name appears in the Smithsonian institute. He was involved in the building of all the original drive-in theaters in New Jersey. In 1950 he opened his own in Ledgewood, NJ, then in 1957 he opened one in Newton, NJ. He retired in 1975.
Wilfred, Bill was also a Charter member of the Rockaway River Country Club in Denville, NJ. He had also belonged to many civic organizations in New Jersey and Florida over the years.
Surviving family members include his wife of 65 years, Frances D. (Whitesel) of Denville. His daughters Ann Carol Perry, of Lexington, VA. Rosemary S. Eyler, of Weyers Cave, VA. A son Wilfred P. Smith Jr. of Denville, NJ Daughter Jeannine Smith, of Hendersonville, TN. And son Kenneth Smith of Sarasota, FL. His Granddaughter Kimberly Nicole Biggs, of Portland, OR. And Great Grandchild Stella Erise Biggs.
A memorial mass will be held at St. Catherine of Siena Church in Mt. Lakes, NJ on Saturday October 19 at 10:00 AM. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Joey Bella Memorial Fund 15 Myers Ave Denville, NJ 07834.
