Connor Richard Smith, 29, of St. Paul, Minnesota, formerly of Red Bank, New Jersey, passed away peacefully from injuries sustained in a motorcycle accident on October 18th, 2024 surrounded by his loving family and closest friends. Connor was born on October 18th, 1995 in Red Bank, New Jersey 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 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 2nd chance to three deserving people. His heart continues to beat.
Connor was pre-deceased in death 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. Connor is survived by his mother Elaine F. Smith, Tinton Falls, NJ, his brother Sean C. Smith, Atlantic Highlands, NJ, his maternal grandmother Carmen Ries, Goodyear, AZ, paternal grandmother Margaret Smith, Red Bank, NJ. He is survived by his aunts and uncles, Kevin and Jennifer Ries of Brooksville, FL, Steve and Eileen (Ries) Lulewicz, Goodyear, AZ, and Dave and Kellie (Smith) Wickersham, Rumson, NJ. He is survived by 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 November 7th from 4-7 pm at Thompson Memorial Home, 310 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. A Memorial Mass will be held on Friday November 8th at 10 am at St. James Church, 94 Broad St., Red Bank, NJ 07701. Interment will follow at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown NJ. In lieu of flowers please consider a donation to The Retreat, “In Memory of Connor R. Smith”, 1221 Wayzata Blvd E, Wayzata MN 55391.
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