August 21, 1937 – June 23, 2026
Joseph Edward Smith, age 88, passed away peacefully on June 23, 2026, at his home in Reading, Massachusetts, surrounded by his family. He married the love of his life, Virginia, on May 25, 1963, and they were married for 63 years.
Born on August 21, 1937, in Somerville, MA, Joe was the beloved son of Marguerite and Joseph Smith. He grew up in Somerville and later made his home in Reading, MA. Some of his fondest memories were spent at Beachmont in Revere with his family and friends. He also spent many summers in Dennisport on Cape Cod, winter months in Naples, Florida, and loved to vacation with family and friends on cruises, Disney World, and the Outer Banks. But what he loved most was Sundays by his pool, music on, surrounded by his children and grandchildren, grilling out and having fun.
Joe graduated from Somerville High School in 1956, where he was the leading scorer on the hockey team. Upon graduation, he voluntarily enlisted in the Army for two years repairing radios in armored tanks at Fort Stewart in Georgia. In 1963, he joined the Bricklayers & Allied Craftsmen Local 3 Union, where he spent 35 years high above Boston helping to protect the city’s tallest buildings. Rarely did his day end when his workday ended. Joe loved going to family and friends’ homes with a bucket of tools and his radio to solve problems.
Joe’s faith was unflappable. He attended church every Sunday and during the last days of his life found solace reciting the Our Father, the Hail Mary, and receiving communion with a visiting priest.
Joe is survived by wife Virginia, his three children, son Michael and wife Paula of Methuen, Ma, Joann Jack of Reading, Ma and Christopher Smith and wife Meaghan of Reading, Ma. He had seven grandchildren Emma, Miranda and Evan Smith, Connor and Olivia Jack and Bowen and Sloane Smith. He also had one great grandchild, Bennett Glew.
A visitation will be held from 8:45-10am on Friday, June 26, 2026 at the Douglass, Edgerley and Bessom Funeral Home 25 Sanborn St. in Reading. A Funeral Mass will follow at Saint Joseph Parish, 173 Albion Street, Wakefield, MA 01880, at 10:30am. Intermittent will be at Charles Lawn Cemetery on Charles Street in Reading, MA.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the American Cancer Society, 3 Speen St., Suite 250, Framingham, MA 01701 www.cancer.org
For directions and online guest book, visit www.douglassfuneralhome.com
https://www.johnbdouglassfuneralhome.com/obituary/joseph-smith-jr
