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Michael B. Smith “Mickey,” a lifelong resident of Jersey City, passed away surrounded by his loved ones. Born on June 22, 1955 to the late Richard and Mildred Smith. Michael was a devoted family man, friend, and neighbor known for his generous heart, warm spirit, and unforgettable sense of humor.
Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Anna Rose Smith; his children, Debra Sikora, William Sikora, Jr., and his wife, Christina; Kelly Sikora; Kristine Sikora; and Kimberly Silverthorn, along with her husband, Daryle. He was a proud grandfather to William III and his wife, Raven; Christopher, Charles, and his wife, Lisa; Jessica, Melanie, Kristine, Angelina, Matthew, and Kyle, and a cherished great-grandfather to William IV, Alyssa, Jayden, and Elias. He also leaves behind his dear brothers-in-law, Joseph Wares, Jr., and his wife, Karen, and Patrick Wares; his sister-in-law, Patricia Sikora; his treasured goddaughter, Megan Wares; and his beloved grandcat, Scar. He is predeceased by his siblings, Richard and Susan.
Michael was a proud member of Hoboken Elks Lodge #74 and a longtime parishioner of St. Anne’s Church, Jersey City. He brought joy to countless families by donning the role of Santa Claus, a tradition he held dear to his heart. His love for the holidays was unmatched—he especially enjoyed decorating and spreading Christmas cheer. An avid fan of the New York Giants and the Mets. Michael also loved fishing, bowling, crabbing, hosting family barbecues, St. Patrick's Day parties, and, most of all, taking trips to AC with his beloved wife. Above all, he loved making people laugh and always found joy in caring for others, especially children.
Michael will be remembered as a loving husband, a proud father, a grandfather, a trusted friend, and a warm-hearted jokester who brought light to every room he entered.
Visitation is on Sunday, July 20, 2025, 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Riotto Funeral Home and Cremation Company, 3205 John F. Kennedy Boulevard, Jersey City, NJ 07306 (for GPS navigation, it is best to use the parking lot entrance address: 14 Stagg Street, Jersey City). Funeral will begin on Monday, July 21, 2025, 9:30 AM at the funeral home. Funeral mass will follow 10:30 AM at Saint Anne’s Church, Jersey City. Interment will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery, North Arlington.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital (www.stjude.org) in honor of Michael’s deep love for children.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the ICU staff who cared for Michael in his final days.
St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
501 St. Jude Place, Memphis TN 38105
Tel: 1-800-805-5856
Web: http://www.stjude.org/