Emerson Richard Smith

Emerson Richard Smith died at home on July 31, 2021 in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina, at the age of 101.  The middle child of Harold and Elizabeth (Bessie) Smith, Emerson was born and raised in Millburn, NJ. He graduated from Millburn High School before going on to serve in the United States Air Corp during WWII. His first career spanned 30+ years with the United States Postal Service, most of those years in Millburn where he worked the window and was a familiar face to everyone in town. After retiring from the USPS Emerson went on to a second career at Drew University in Madison, NJ working in the postal contract station on campus.

Emerson always had a green thumb and enjoyed working in the yard during his younger days. His indoor hobbies were tropical fish and a passion for the New York Yankees. He also enjoyed playing golf and after retirement he and his partner, Lorraine, traveled the world vacationing in Egypt, China, Singapore, Peru (Machu Pichu) to name a few.

As he got older, and not as mobile, he became an expert at putting together jigsaw puzzles with his family and caregivers.

Emerson is predeceased by his partner Lorraine Hansen, brothers Harry, Lloyd, and Cal, and sister Lillian (La Rocca) Smith. He is survived by his daughter Suzanne, son-in-law Lee Hansen, and sons Richard and Robert and daughter-in-law Nancy Page.

A memorial service is planned for September 17, 2021.