James Desmond “Desi” Smyth, 76, of Colts Neck, died on Sunday, September 1.

Desi was born and raised in Comber, Northern Ireland to the late Sarah and Thomas Smyth. He attended and graduated from St. Columbanus’ College in Northern Ireland. Desi worked in Belfast until his early 20’s, when he moved to the Bronx, NY. He worked several jobs ranging from mechanics to delivering supplies. Eventually, Desi opened his own business, Industrial Repairs. He lived in Staten Island for some time before moving to Old Bridge, and finally settled in Colts Neck, where he and his wife raised their son Bryan.

Desi’s passions in life were motocross and road racing. He raced AMA District 34 motocross for many years advancing to the Expert class. Desi loved watching the Isle of Mann TT race. Before he left Northern Ireland he watched the TT race in person, and he also rode in the Manx Grand Prix. After immigrating to the United States Desi competed in many road races. Desi also enjoyed playing racquetball, going to concerts, and listening to classic rock. He was a kind, loving person that had a soft spot for people who needed a helping hand.

Desi is predeceased by his parents, and his siblings, Mary Kearney, Vera D’Amato, and Thomas Smyth.

He is survived by his loving wife, Catherine Hopkins Smyth, his son, Bryan Thomas Smyth of Frostburg, MD, his siblings, Rosaleen Caughey, John, Kevin, and Patrick Smyth, and many loving nieces and nephews.

Visitation will take place on Sunday, September 8 from 2pm – 6pm at Holmdel Funeral Home, 26 S. Holmdel Road. A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered on Monday, September 9 at 10:30am at the Parish of St. Mary, 1 Phalanx Road, Colts Neck. Burial will follow at St. Gabriel Cemetery, Marlboro.

In lieu of traditional remembrances, Desi’s family asks with gratitude that donations in his memory be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org)

For messages of condolence, or to share a favorite memory of Desi, please visit his page of tribute at www.HolmdelFuneralHome.com