Members of Smith's family confirmed his death via an online fundraising page set up to help his wife Jane and the couple's two children, Toby and Annie.
Fire and Emergency northern communications shift manager Paul Radden said at the time that volunteer and paid crews from across West Auckland fought the Piha Rd blaze.
The specialist hazardous materials unit from Auckland city was called because of possible asbestos fears.
Radden said half a dozen firefighters would be decontaminated as a precaution.
The property, partway down the steep main road to the beach, was engulfed by flames. A witness said it was so intense its glow lit up the valley.
Fire crews had to ferry water from a stream and reservoir at the bottom of the hill to fight the fire.
Piha General Store manager Peter Chapman said crews were working hard to save the building in challenging circumstances.
"Our hearts go out to the family involved. It's a pretty sad time."
