Christopher D. Smith, 40, died July 16th at his residence with his family by his side. Born in Rahway, he was raised in Cranford, NJ and Spring, TX, returning to NJ to graduate from Cranford High School in 1990. He earned a BA in English, with a minor in theatre, from Salve Regina University in Newport, RI, in 1994. After a varied career, he followed his dream and graduated in 2007 from American Academy McAllister Institute in NY, NY. He was employed as a funeral director with the Boylan Funeral Homes in New Brunswick and Edison. Chris was active in community theatre throughout New Jersey and his beautiful tenor voice will forever sing in the hearts of the many who love him. He is survived by his parents Donald and Judith of Cranford; his sister Jennifer Mehr, husband David, nieces Charlotte and Mary Kate and nephew William also of Cranford; loving cousins, aunts, uncles and many friends. A funeral mass will take place 9:30 am Friday July 19th at St. Michaels' R.C. Church 40 Alden Street Cranford. Family and friends may also pay their respects on Thursday, July 18th from 2-4 pm and 7-9 pm at the Boylan Funeral Home 188 Easton Avenue New Brunswick. In lieu of flowers, donations to the York Street Project 89 York Street, Jersey City, NJ, 07302 will allow his memory to live on in the women and children served.