A fundraiser has been started for the family of “DJ George” Smutko, who lived in Hillsborough before moving to Bridgewater.
BRIDGEWATER, NJ — Beloved husband and father George Smutko — known to many as “DJ George” — age 64, recently died following his courageous 14-month fight against cancer.
Smutko died peacefully on Sept. 13. A GoFundMe fundraiser was launched to support his wife, Annette, and their daughter, Mellissa (both active volunteers with the Somerset County 4-H Association).
In July 2024, George received the life-altering diagnosis of Stage 4 Cancer.
This sudden illness turned the Smutko’s family’s lives upside down. The financial burden of chemotherapy treatments, hospital stays, rehabilitation services, and day-to-day expenses became overwhelming.
Annette worked tirelessly through it all to support the family while facing her own medical challenges.
“Despite her best efforts, insurance coverage has fallen short, leaving them to shoulder the costs of vital services,” according to the GoFundMe.
The GoFundMe was initially set up while George was still battling the cancer, but it remains active to continue to support the family.
Smutko met his wife at a local bowling alley, where he would frequent, and finally mustered the courage to ask her out. The two were married and lived in Hillsborough. Once they had their daughter, they settled in Bridgewater, where they have resided since.
“George had a love of music he carried with him throughout his life. In high school he was a drummer in both the marching band as well as his own rock band. He loved 80’s rock and emulated that in his music,” according to his obituary with Cusick Funeral Home.
He was the former vice-president of the Raritan Moose Lodge, and an active member of the Somerville Elks Lodge 1068.
Smutko was affectionately known as “DJ George” and partnered with T&G Entertainment alongside his lifelong friend Tim Rice for more than 30 years. Together they have done several hundred weddings, events, and fundraisers and were a staple in the community.
He was a regular for entertainment at local establishments like Tim Kerwin’s, Green Knoll Grill, Somerville Elks, and Jack’s Kids, and helped out at the Somerset County 4-H.
“George always was a positive force wherever he went, and he was right where he needed to be to help out, especially for Jack’s Kids. George loved his daughter and relished in the the quality time spent together. His kindness was felt by all around him and the joy he brought will be missed by all who knew him,” according to his obituary.
Surviving are his mother, Joan Frances Smutko, his loving wife Annette Smutko, his daughter Mellissa Smutko, his sister Linda Knipe, his dear nephew Robert, as well as his extended family and community of friends.
Visitation will be held from 3 to 7 p.m. on Thursday at Cusick Funeral Home, 80 Mountain Avenue, Somerville.
Prayer services will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the funeral home.
Family and friends will gather from 5 to 10 p.m. on Wednesday at Tim Kerwin’s Tavern, 353 Bound Brook Rd., Middlesex, for a fundraiser benefiting George.
Memorial contributions may be made in his memory to his family by visiting gofundme.com/f/support-dj-george-and-his-family-thru-his-cancer-battle.
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