Richard Delahunt Smith

Richard D. Smith, 88, of Naples, FL, passed away on September 10th, surrounded by his loving wife and family. Born on February 1, 1937, in Newport, RI to Grace (Delahunt) and John L Smith, he grew up in Jamestown, RI and graduated from University of Rhode Island. He married Marilyn H. Murray in 1962, and resided in Wyckoff, NJ and Naples, FL for most of his life. Together for over 63 years, they were committed to building a home filled with love, laughter, and fun.

Richard was commissioned as a US Naval Officer in 1959. For his first eight years, he served on active duty on various ships in active-duty leadership roles and reserved duty for another six years. In 1967, he was hired by the horticulture company, Skidelski in Ridgefield, NJ and in seven years became President. His career in horticulture spanned over 40 years. In 1990, he incorporated Richard D Smith & Co, where he was well respected for his deep knowledge and innovative solutions in the fast-changing horticulture marketplace.

He had a strong work ethic and took pride in gardening and home projects. He enjoyed working with his hands and building things around the home. His favorite motto was “measure twice, cut once”. He loved history and researching family genealogy.

Richard was a dedicated parishioner at St. Elizabeth R.C. Church in Wyckoff, NJ, and St Agnes Church in Naples, FL where he served as a Eucharistic Minister and Lector.

Richard was a family man and will be remembered with deep love and gratitude for his devotion to his wife Marilyn. He was a loving role model for his four devoted children and six wonderful grandchildren. These include Regina and her husband James Doran, parents of Jimmy and Emily; Shawn and his wife Kelly; Colleen and her husband Karl Zabriskie, parents of Jack and Erin; and Kevin, father of Kevin and Tommy, with his longtime partner Melanie.

He is preceded in death by his sisters: Katherine and Nancy; and his brothers: Jack and Fred; and his parents: John, and Grace (Delahunt) Smith.

A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 11:30am at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 7775 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples, FL 34120.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly asks that memorial contributions be made to Avow Hospice or the Wounded Warrior Project