Funeral services for Gadiel Smith, M.D. were held on Monday, June 3, 2013 in the Bernheim-Apter-Kreitzman Suburban Funeral Chapel, 68 Old Short Hills Rd., Livingston, N.J.
Dr. Smith, 100, was the former chief of general internal medicine at the VA hospital in East Orange, N.J. He was beloved for his compassion, service, and lifetime love of learning. Dr. Smith attended medical school in Geneva, Switzerland. He built a medical practice in the Bronx before moving to Livingston, N.J., where he not only cared for veterans but was an associate professor at UMDNJ. Even in his 90s, he served at the Daughters of Israel in West Orange, N.J. He was active in the American Jewish Committee, where he promoted interfaith dialogue with the Catholic diocese. He was a leader at Temple Emanu-El in Livingston.

Deeply knowledgeable about Israel, religion and history, he led Bible study groups at Crane’s Mill community in West Caldwell, N.J., his final place of residence. He loved classical music, Shakespeare, devouring The New York Times, international affairs and, above all, his family. He was the beloved husband of Anita; father of Debbie and Tina; grandfather of Dawn, Nicky and Gabriella; great-grandfather of Jaden, and grandfather-in-law of Steve.

Published in the Newark Star Ledger, June 3, 2013.