Smith, Nicholas Leonard, 85, Northfield - The self-proclaimed “luckiest man in the world”, Len left this world for an eternal jitterbug with Lois, his beloved ‘Macushla’, whom he met on the dance floor sixty years before. Together they created their lasting legacy of 10 children: Kathryn Quain (Dan), Michael (Holly), Jacqueline Carty (Joe), Sean (Elissa), Daniel (Kathy), Kevin (Brenda), Brendan (Anna), Terrence (Kanna), Brian (Renee), and Timothy (Shannah); and 25 grandchildren (not least of which is Daina, his guardian angel); and three great grandchildren. One of 10 children himself, Len is also survived by sisters Rosemary Brannigan and Georgine Thompson, and brothers Joseph, James and Edward; he is predeceased by sisters Anna and Cassie, and brothers Reese and Richard.

Born in Philadelphia on March 13th, 1929, Len moved to Clementon and graduated from Lower Camden County Regional High School in 1947. He worked for Curtis Publishing Co. before being drafted into the Army, serving honorably from 1951-53, and fighting in Korea for 9 months.

Using the GI Bill, Len graduated from LaSalle College in 1955, embarked on a 30 year teaching and coaching career that took him from Overbrook Regional to Cherry Hill to Middle Township, and finally Pleasantville – retiring in 1985. He also coached Track & Field and Cross Country at Camden Catholic, Bishop Eustace, Holy Spirit, West Deptford, Oakcrest, Mainland, Hammonton, and St. Joseph’s of Hammonton high schools and Richard Stockton and Gloucester County colleges. “Coach” Smith touched thousands of young lives during a coaching career that lasted 56 years.

Active in government, Len served two terms as a councilman in Clementon, one term as a Camden County Freeholder, one term on the Northfield Board of Education, and, believing the common man should have a voice in government, ran for the US Senate in 1976 and in 2006 as a ‘Family First’ candidate. In a life dedicated to service, he also was co-chairman of the Northfield Bicentennial Committee; past Grand Knight and a founding member of the All Saints Council 6277 of the Knights of Columbus; a trustee for the NJ Pro-Life PAC and Right to Life Association, as well as the Pro-Life Chairman for St. Bernadette’s Parish, coordinating many bus trips to the annual March for Life in Washington, DC.

Len strove to be a ‘Christian Gentleman’ who loved his wife, his family, his country, and his church. He tried to give good example to his children, students, and athletes and to do so with a sense of humor. Most people will probably remember him for his corny jokes. He was truly a happy, God-fearing warrior.

A Visitation will be held on Thursday, December 18, 2014 from 6pm- 9pm at Adams-Perfect Funeral Homes 1650 New Rd. Northfield and also on Friday, December 19, 2014 from 10am til 11am at St. Gianna Beretta Molla Parish/ St. Bernedette's Church 1421 New Rd. Northfield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday at 11am. Burial will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery, Mays Landing.

Donations may be made in Leonard's memory to the New Jersey Right to Life 242 Old New Brunswick Rd., Piscataway, NJ 08854.

Arrangements entrusted to and condolences may be left for the family at adams-perfect.com.

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