Judge Thomas Smith Jr–7-11-2025

Thomas S. Smith Jr. was born on April 22, 1948 in Neptune, NJ to the late Assemblyman Thomas S. Smith, Sr. and Dorothy Smith. Raised in Asbury Park, he graduated from Asbury Park High School in 1966, where he was a standout three-sport athlete, lettering in football, basketball, and track. His athletic excellence earned him a scholarship to Syracuse University. While at Syracuse, he lettered in both football and track, became a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. in 1968, and helped establish a student tutorial program that provided literacy support to local inner-city youth. Thomas graduated in 1970 with a degree in geography.

Thomas continued his education at Rutgers Law School, earning his Juris Doctor in 1973.  In the same year, he was admitted to the Bars of New Jersey and the U.S. District Court and later to the Bars of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Third Circuit Court of Appeals. During law school, he co-founded a student-run legal aid program to serve the residents of Newark and began his association with the New Jersey Office of the Public Defender, focusing on juvenile court matters.

Thomas’s professional career spanned more than 35 years, including 24 years with the Office of the Public Defender. He served in managerial positions, including Assistant Public Defender and First Assistant Public Defender. In May 1985, Thomas became the Acting Public Defender.  He served in the role again in 1990, briefly holding the dual role of Acting Public Defender and Acting Public Advocate.

On January 27, 1997, Thomas was sworn in as a Superior Court Judge.  He was assigned to Burlington County and became the Presiding Judge of the Criminal Division. Thomas retired from the bench in June 2009, having served for 12 years.

Beyond the courtroom, Thomas was an active and engaged community leader. He was a member of the 1989 Leadership New Jersey Class, served on the Editorial Board of the New Jersey Law Journal, and held board positions at Jersey Shore Medical Center and the Boys and Girls Club.  He received honors and recognitions throughout his career including his induction into the Asbury Park High School Distinguished Alumni Hall of Fame.

In his personal life, Thomas was dedicated to his family. In May 1972, he met Dianne Gibson at the home of a mutual friend. After a six-month courtship, they were married on November 25, 1972. From their union came three daughters Kori, Keir, and Kaprece.

Thomas had an active retirement. He traveled with Dianne to cruise ports across North America, South America, and Europe. He enjoyed golfing, swimming, reading, attending sporting events, spoiling his grandson, and competing (and winning multiple times) in his family’s fantasy football league. He also stayed active in judicial affairs as a member of the New Jersey Supreme Court Advisory Committee on Extrajudicial Activities and as an adjunct instructor for a Fourth Amendment course at Rutgers University.

Thomas is preceded in death by his parents, Thomas Sr. and Dorothy Smith, and his wife of 52 years, Dianne Gibson Smith. He leaves behind daughters Kori Smith, Keir Smith Martin (Omar), and Kaprece Smith (Vernon); grandson Jordan Leftridge; godchildren Karl Crudup II, Brooke Gillespie (Brian), and Travis Seawright; and a host of extended family and friends who will forever cherish his legacy.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a memorial donation in remembrance of Thomas S. Smith Jr. to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monmouth County.