DONALD W. SMITHEMAN

July 9, 1929 - August 6, 2015

Donald W. Smitheman, 86, of Wanaque, NJ, formerly of Cranford, NJ, passed away on Thursday, August 6, 2015. Donald was born on July 9, 1929 in New York, NY to Marguerite (Forester) Smitheman and Sydney A. Smitheman. Upon completion of his services in the US Army he started his long career within the Bell System. He worked for Western Electric in Kearney, NJ in the engineering department. In the early 60's Donald was involved in the creation of the Systems Engineering Division in Newark, NJ, while there he developed the first computer engineering support systems for the 7 Bell Regions. Later in his career at Western Electric Donald formed and managed the Engineering Services division. After divestiture he held many positions within AT&T. Much of his life was devoted to his children. He worked tirelessly to insure that his children were cared for. He worked with the staff at the Department for Persons with Disabilities (DPD) working on many projects. He helped to establish many of the existing organizations within the DPD. Donald served on the Board of Trustees at DPD writing and preparing many policies and procedures that are used extensively today. His organization skills were unprecedented. His latest project within the DPD was developing an informative website for guardians, parents and family members to access information about the services available for their loved ones. Donald was predeceased by his beloved wife Doris in 2008, his loving daughter Denise in 2010 and his dear brother Gordon Smitheman. Donald leaves behind his three sons Craig S, Donald C, and Gary J; as well as many nieces and nephews. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, August 11, 2015 from 10am to 11am at St. Thomas the Apostle RC Church, 5635 Berkshire Valley Road, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11am at the church. Private final disposition by the family. In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to Department for Persons with Disabilities, (DPD), 1 Catholic Charities Way, P.O. Box 2539, Oak Ridge, NJ 07438. Log onto www.sticklesolteszfuneralhome.com tribute wall to personally post your condolences, memories, photos, and videos.