Obituary of Chester R Smalley, Jr.

Chester R. Smalley, Jr., 85, of Whitehouse, New Jersey passed away on May 7, 2023 in his home with family and his beloved dog at his side.

“Chet” was born in North Plainfield, NJ to Chester R. Smalley and Vivian Bow. He grew up and lived in North Plainfield until 1976 when he moved with his family to Whitehouse in Hunterdon County, NJ. Chet was an animal lover and attended college to become a veterinarian although he transitioned into a career in lumber sales and enjoyed many successful years managing the northeast region in that industry. His love for animals however spilled over into his everyday life and he was known for going out in the woods as a young man and coming home with abandoned or injured creatures that he nursed and cared for until they were ready to return to the forest. Another one of Chet’s passions was fishing and some of his favorite times were spent in Eastport, Maine where he summered for decades with his wife, Lorraine, boating and fishing in the Bay of Fundy. He enjoyed it most when his children and grandchildren were there to visit.

Chet was a very active participant with his church, St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in Peapack/Gladstone, NJ, where he and Lorraine took on many responsibilities that were for them, labors of love. Their ashes will be interred together in “Ann’s Garden” on the church property. Serving as a Freemason with lodges in NJ and Maine was also an important part of Chet’s life.

Chet was pre-deceased by his wife Lorraine in 2017 but they celebrated 56 years of marriage together. He is survived by his daughter, Lisa Padulo, his son, Chet Smalley III, his daughter-in-law, Kris Smalley, and his grandchildren, Stefan and Colby Padulo.

Funeral service information will be announced on this site when arrangements are finalized.