In Memoriam of Brian J. Smith of Mullica Hill NJ

Iris Richardson
Aug 24, 2017 · 5 min read

If you knew Brian J. Smith, this article helps you know him better. He touched people in many ways, in many places, and few of us were aware of all of them. Brian was quiet at first meeting. His striking jawline, piercing blue eyes and “finely” groomed goatee created an intimidating presence. He was not. He would reach out and shake your hand to greet you as to say, ‘You are my good friend.’ He was both smart and wise, and in his presence, you felt like you had known him your whole life. He reserved his words as needed or for the people he enjoyed most. Some of his closest friends have been so since early childhood, a testament to Brian’s fierce loyalty and huge heart which he brought to bear most lovingly toward his wife, Melanie, and two sons, Brian and Gavin. Unfortunately, that huge heart wasn’t enough to sustain him.

Brian was open and inviting to a fault and included everyone. He was the linchpin that kept his friends together by organizing the Smith Halloween Parties, U2 tailgates, charity events, or just playing Texas Hold’em with neighborhood husbands with the kids in the yard. He got his North Catholic friends, Mullica Hill friends, and his teams together without a thought to the sacrifice required because it was just his good nature.

Beyond being dedicated to family and friends, Brian’s vocation was nursing. For more than 28 years, Brian had been the “unofficial mayor” at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). He had an extra special touch in reassuring patients, families and staff. Many of colleagues remember him for his great sense of humor and incredible support, as he managed the high volume of admissions and discharges. He had a calming effect on everyone with whom he connected. Brian started at CHOP on the 7 West surgical floor, then worked on 4E/4S. In 2006, he was the first person the now current CEO, Madeline Bell, tasked to become the bed manager, the sole person to do the job. He shaped and evolved the role until his promotion to house supervisor, working out of the Central Staffing Office. Brian was passionate about his profession. He didn’t just treat the children coming into the hospital, he cared for them. He didn’t just assign them a bed, he provided for their needs. He didn’t just discharge them, he celebrated their improvement and hoped for their continued healing. The children coming into CHOP and the nurses and doctors who take care of them now have an angel forever watching over them.

Prior to his career at CHOP, Brian became a dedicated coach to the highly successful North Catholic Football team after his own 1985 graduation from North Catholic. His coaching staff was called the 7. They became an inseparable group known for their antics on and off the field. This fueled his competitive nature and they achieved much in a little amount of time. After moving to New Jersey and starting a family, Brian turned his love for sports toward the Youth of Mullica Hill and Harrison Township.

Brian Smith was a dedicated volunteer and coach for Mullica Hill and Harrison Township. When his sons were young, he volunteered as a baseball coach starting with tee-ball and worked his way up through to the minors. He was always the organizer even if he wasn’t the head coach, he coached the all-stars and became a staple of organization. He expanded his contributions in youth sports as coach for the intramural recreational basketball teams from the 5th / 6th grade through the 7th / 8th grade levels. While his knowledge of organized basketball was limited, he recruited coaches to teach him and the boys because his son was interested in the sport. In recent years, Brian coached additional teams in the off season so his son, Gavin, could improve.

Brian loved football. He was a die-hard Eagles fan off the field. On the field, he coached the Pleasant Valley Panthers. His players achieved in a supportive foundation of enthusiasm and love of the game. Brian’s team’s success persisted even when organizations combined and the team became the Pleasant Valley Hawks. Brian was the only coach that remained from the Panthers and the only coach with a winning record in that season of few players and changing leagues. His players learned to give their all from a coach that did the same. Brian often arrived in his work clothes without respite to attend practice and games in all sports, yet his biggest concern was how to coordinate his myriad of coaching gear, whether it be blue and silver, black and gold, or powder blue and white. Other coaches followed suit knowing that the colors were only the beginning of focusing on the game (and to avoid being the sole person in the wrong color on the sidelines). Brian had a unique fashion sense that added to his lore.

As a 4H parent, Brian and his family helped man the Palate Pleasers Cooking Club 4H booth at the annual Gloucester County Fair and helped the clubs in the days leading up to the fair. Brian brought his son to the Canine-Can-Do Dog Club throughout the year where his presence was felt each month.

If you ever hear an Elvis or U2 song, think of Brian. He was a huge fan. Brian took his love of music, all things Philly and his heritage to the streets as a member of the Polish-American String Band.

Quiet and unassuming, but not to be underestimated, Brian was tough as nails yet soft-hearted for the things that mattered. The ripple effect of his passing is felt far and wide. It is a special loss for the community of Mullica Hill as he touched lives on a daily basis. He lived here and has made an indelible mark on the community and all who knew him. Hopefully, through this memorial, he has left a mark on you also. Be loyal and supportive. Love fiercely. Follow your passions and enjoy your life. Honor the spirit of Brian J. Smith.

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