Raymond Chester Smith

Mr. Smith, 87, of Oceanport died Jan. 14, 2008. Born in Hoboken, he resided in Cliffside Park and Rumson before relocating to Oceanport. He was a real estate developer and broker in the area, and his developments included restoration of the Geraldine Thompson estate, Lincroft section of Middletown. Mr. Smith also owned the River House, Toms River. He converted the Peninsula House, Sea Bright, into a beach club, hotel and restaurant, as well as expanding the Olde Union House, Red Bank, into a restaurant during the 1950s. He served with the U.S.Army Corps of Engineers duringWorld War II during the Italian campaign. He was executive director of theMonmouth County Chapter of the American Red Cross. Mr. Smith was predeceased by a brother, Kenneth Smith. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Consuelo Stafford Smith; three children, Deborah Smith Walker and husband David of Greenfield, Mass., Sharon Smith Bottrill of Oceanport, and Raymond S. and Britt Smith of Monmouth Beach; six grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren. A funeral liturgy was celebrated at Holy Cross Church, Rumson, followed by interment at Mount Olivet Cemetery, Middletown. Thompson Memorial Home, Red Bank, was in charge of arrangements. Memorial donations may be made to Holy Cross Church Building Fund, 30 Ward Ave., Rumson, NJ 07760.