Joseph F. Smith, Jr. - Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Homes & Crematory

Joseph F. Smith, Jr.

Born September 10, 1943

Joseph Francis Smith, Jr. of Wilmington, DE passed away peacefully at the age of 72 on Monday, November 2, 2015 with his family surrounding him. He is now at peace with his mother, Anna Stephenson, and nephew, Alan Thomas, Jr., who was like a son to him.

Born in Salem, NJ on September 10, 1943, Joseph later relocated and made his home in Delaware. He was an enthusiast of NASCAR, football, and baseball. His laugh was contagious and his smile lit up the room. However, Joseph’s greatest enjoyment in life was spending time with his wife and family. He cherished simple moments spent with his family at his wife’s and his home in Wilmington, DE.

Joseph battled heart disease for most of his life. He also courageously overcame alcoholism and achieved 26 years of sobriety. His strength was an inspiration to all who were close to him.

Joseph made a career as a skilled electrician at DuPont in Newport, DE for 31 years before launching a self-owned business, Smitty’s Electrical Service.

A family man to the core, Joseph is survived by his beloved wife of 32 years, Dorothy; his six children who were his greatest pride and joy, and their partners, Robert Smith of Nashua, NH, Jeff Smith of Pennsville, NJ, John Grieshop of New Castle, DE, Nathan Smith of Wilmington, DE, Shellie Grieshop of Middletown, DE and Daniel Smith of Middletown, DE; 17 grandchildren; three great grandchildren; and one great grandchild due in December. He is also survived by his mother-in-law, Delores Tolino, and many close family and friends, especially Alan and Lucy Thomas. Finally, Joseph is survived by his cat who was so dear to him, Mr. Jingles.

Joseph’s family thanks their lifelong neighbor, Jack, who performed CPR that gave the family more time to say their goodbyes.

A funeral service will be held at 11 am on Friday morning, November 6, 2015, at the Spicer-Mullikin Funeral Home, 1000 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE, where a visitation for family and friends will be held from 10 am until 11 am. Interment will follow in Gracelawn Memorial Park, 2220 N. DuPont Parkway, New Castle, DE.

In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joseph’s memory may be made to Christiana Care, P.O. Box 1668, Wilmington, DE 19899 and note The Center for Heart and Vascular Health in the memo line.

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17 Condolences for Joseph F. Smith, Jr.

  • My prayers and thoughts are with the Smith family!

    Herman

  • Bob, Claire and Smith Family,
    I am so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers
    Love Renee, Corina and Cathryna

  • Nate, thoughts and prayers. I am so sorry.

  • Shellie and family, we are so sorry for your loss. He was an amazing family man and was so funny. Really enjoyed the time we did get to spend with him. Always made everyone laugh. He truly loved his family with every fiber in his body. He will be missed but never forgotten.

  • My thoughts and prayers are with your family at this most difficult time. I have many fond memories of Joe. He always brought joy and laughter to the room. Heaven has gained another amazing angel. Love and hugs!

  • My thoughts and prayers are with you all, Joe was one of my favorite patients here at the Coumadin Center .His smile lite the room and his love of his family was evident each and every time I saw him. I will miss him very much.

  • Dorothy and family,

    My condolences to you for your loss of your beloved husband, father, and grandfather. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.

  • to Dorothy and the kids. I truly am sorry to hear of Joe’s passing. we had a ton of good times while working in Newport and Joe will be sadly missed. We haven’t seen each other for yr’s but i’ll always recall our fun together and our concrete block lunch…
    please God take Joe into your arms.

  • Daniel, I am so sorry for your family’s loss. Your Dad sounds like a wonderful man. Wishing you and your family strength and peace in the coming days and weeks.

    Donna Klingelhofer
    CPL staff/volunteer

  • Jeff, So sorry for the loss of your Father. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this sad time.

  • Jeffrey,
    I am so sorry for your loss. Although I only met your father a few times, I remember him at one of your gigs with a huge smile on his face… I remember how happy your dad was when watching you sing, and bragging about you! John and I remember how proud he spoke of you and your family at your 40th….i know he will be missed. I have you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
    God Bless,
    Judi

  • Please accept our deepest condolences. Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May Joe RIP.

  • Good to hear from you, Herman. Thank you for your kind words.

  • Thank you for your comment and for taking care of my dad while he was your patient.

  • Thank you for your kind words, Donna. It was so nice of you to come to the funeral and I very much appreciated it.

  • Dear Dorothy, children and grandchildren
    I just learned yesterday April 17th, 2016 of my brother Joe’s passing from our cousin Linda (Aunt Mildred’s daughter). I am sending my very deepest condolences to all of you. I had sincerely hoped we would mend whatever tore us apart–I truly enjoyed what little time I shared with Joe and all of you whom I had met. I have nothing but nice things to say/remember of Joe and you. I had found his baby book the week before Halloween and thought of coming by with it but hesitated and now I wish I had at least left it at your door for Joe. I truly regret not spending more time with Joe after I made contact in 2005. I pray that God and his son Jesus comfort all of you in your time of need. I can only imagine the emptiness in all of your lives without Joe, but remember you shall meet again one day. God Bless, Love Always, Debbie

  • Happy Birthday poppop! Sept 10th is always in my calendar and I will never forget! Lots of Love! Thank you for all you offered.