Obituary of Brian Smith

Brian Smith, 46, died peacefully at home on Wednesday, March 22, 2023. He was called to heaven to put a smile on everyone's face. Brian had a great love of family and, quite simply, of life and people. Brian was born on February 4, 1977 at Martland Hospital, now known as University Hospital, in Newark, NJ. He attended Bridgewater-Raritan High School and New York University. He was a force of nature with a big heart and always strived to do good and make the lives of others better. If someone needed help, they didn't need to ask, Brian would just step in and give it. His sense of wonder filled the room and he woke up each morning looking forward to the interesting things the day would bring. Those who knew him will remember that sense of wonder and big heart, along with an amazing sense of humor and undeniable love of music. Brian was a true Renaissance Man. He was a music producer, a stock broker, a sales person, a makeup artist, a real estate agent, a gym instructor, but in his heart of hearts - an artist. He liked to create, seeing beauty around him that most of us don't notice. He dabbled in writing, drawing, design, photography, gardening, and his latest adventure - cooking. He didn't do anything in half measure, so he bought new cooking tools, did a massive amount of research, and watched every cooking show he could find. The result, as his beloved Didi would attest, was in typical Brian fashion, great. His signature dish was Fettuccine Alfredo made from the recipe of a chef in the restaurant in Rome that created it. There was no such thing as a stranger in Brian’s world, only friends he hadn't met yet. He could talk to a king and a pauper with equal ease, and leave them richer for their encounter with him. His personality was infectious. If someone was having a bad day, all they needed to make it better was to spend time with him. Brian wanted to make a difference, not only to those lucky enough to be around him, but on a larger scale. A difference that would make the world better. In 2000, he met the love of his life, Diliana Ivanova, known as Didi and spent the rest of his life with her. What she loved best about him is how he would make her laugh, and how he made her feel loved and special. Often expressing himself through music, he would play Billy Joel's "She's Got a Way About Her" for Didi, to tell her how he feels. Without a doubt, Brian had an impact on so many lives. He will be truly missed. Brian was preceded in death by both of his parents. He leaves to cherish his memories: his wife Diliana Ivanova, his beloved dog Della, a host of cousins, nieces, nephews, uncles and aunts, friends, as well as everyone whose life he touched. A Funeral Service will be held on Friday, March 31, 2023 from 9AM - 10:30 AM at Konopka Funeral Home, 9046 Palisade Avenue, North Bergen, NJ. Interment at 12 Noon at Rosehill Cemetery, 792 E Edgar Road, Linden, NJ 07036.