Joseph Smoley Obituary

Joseph S. Smoley
September 24, 1924 - May 19, 2014
Joseph S. Smoley was born on September 24, 1924 in Hamtramck, Michigan, the youngest child of George and Suzanna Smoley, immigrants from Czechoslovakia. Joe joined our Heavenly Father after a brief illness, on Monday, May 19, 2014 in Modesto, California. Joe graduated from General Motors Institute (Kettering University) in Flint, Michigan with a degree in Mechanical Engineering, served in the U.S. Navy during WWII, met his wife (to be) in 1949, married Carolyn C. Wells in 1952, and began their family shortly thereafter while working as a customer service representative for General Motors. His career took a long path of service, loving service to his family and friends, customer service, and service to the community and to his church. Following his work with GM, Joe worked with an engineering firm in Fremont, California, then entered the car business for dealerships in Fremont, CA, Corvallis and Portland, OR, and finally in Modesto, CA since 1969. He retired from car sales three months before his 80th birthday, wrapping up a stellar career with American Chevrolet. Joe Smoley was a common man of extraordinary faith, commitment, love, and trust. His devotion to God and his family was evident in every facet of his life. He was a friend to all. It's been nine years since he took his sales license off the dealership wall but ask anyone about Joe Smoley and they'll readily say, "Hey! I bought my first car, three cars, all my cars, from Joe!" Joe had just a wonderful way of seeing life in the most positive and uplifting way. He saw challenges as opportunities, obstacles as ways to learn, and hard times as a way to enjoy the most important things in life, God, family, and friends. Joe is preceded in death by his wife, Carolyn Smoley, and his parents, brothers and sister. He is survived by his children Madeline Smoley, Steve Smoley (Jayne), Suzanne Smoley, Dorothy Zahner (Joe), John Smoley, Paul Smoley (Chrissy), Marianne Platt, and Andrew Smoley, 11 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren, and Joe's dear friend, dance partner, dinner companion, dominoes buddy, and favorite warm hug, Elizabeth (Betty) Bone. In lieu of flowers, the family request that memorial donations be made to Special Olympics of Northern CA (sonc.org); St. Joseph's St. Vincent De Paul Society, Modesto; Community Hospice of Modesto. Franklin & Downs is honored to be serving the Smoley Family. A Rosary will be held on Thursday, May 29th at 7pm at St. Josephs Catholic Church on Oakdale Road in Modesto. A Mass will be held on Friday, May 30th at 9:30am at St. Josephs Catholic Church. A Graveside Service will be held that same day at 1:30pm at Lakewood Memorial Park on Sante Fe Avenue in Hughson. For condolences to the family, please visit his online guestbook at www.franklindownsfuneralhome.com
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Published by Modesto Bee on May 25, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Smoley

11 Entries

Doug Wu

May 31, 2014

Four-of-a-Kind ... Joe was the absolute best! I'll miss his advice, outlook on life, and laughter. I'm a better person having known Joe Smoley. My thoughts and prayers to his family and friends.

Jim choate

May 28, 2014

Thanks to Joe, I was introduced to a great once a month poker game, he was a great poker buddy. Although he did offer to block the driveway so Janice couldn't get out to shop during the game. We miss you Joe. Our prayers to your great family.
Jim and Janice Choate

Joan Wilburn Andersen

May 28, 2014

To the entire Smoley Family - I'm very sorry for your loss. Your Dad was a great man. He always welcomed us into his home as if we were one of his own. He was a gentle, kind and considerate man. There are so many memories of our families getting together and your Dad was a huge part of them. I pray that you lean on those memories to help heal. May God grant you all strength to celebrate your Dad's life and his legacy he has left behind in all of you. God Bless.

Aunt Elaine Wells

May 28, 2014

It was an honor to know and love Joe.

Uncle John Wells

May 28, 2014

Joe was the best brother-in-law a guy could have. Looking back at the lessons I have learned from his fine example, I realize in that sense, he will always be with us.

Larry & Kathy Plants

May 27, 2014

Joe was a personal friend and a great neighbor to my wife and I. He was a real "Gentle Man." Its kind of scary because we are loosing a generation of individuals who were real role models and upheld the highest level of integrity (I see this in my parents and mother-in-law), showing love, compassion and respect to all. I was constantly amazed at Joe's enthusiastic and motivated lifestyle. While in his 80's he and I would do yard work together, go salmon fishing, play poker, and our families enjoying each others company while visiting together in our backyards.Joe had an unwaivering commitment and faith in God and led a very good life. We were fortunate to be a part of his family, developing personal relationships with his sons and daughters. Joe made a huge positive impact on family, friends and neighbors. We consider it a privilege to have known Joe and will miss him greatly. Your friend and neighbors, Larry and Kathy Plants

Cherise & David Day

May 27, 2014

Please accept our sincerest condolences on the loss of your father. He was such a unique and lovely man. I'm honored to have known him and to have witnessed the deep love he had for his family.

Elaine

May 25, 2014

Some family you are born into, and some through love, you choose. Love and condolences to all my Smoley family. There are no words to describe how much I miss my "California Dad". So grateful to have had him in my life, and to have had the chance to visit him recently.

Deacon Mick & Michelle Fornelli

May 25, 2014

Our prayers are with the entire Smoley Family over the passing of Joe. He was a great friend who always had a wonderful story whenever we would get together. I have the fondest of memories of working with Joe at both Continental Leasing and Rule-Dale Lincoln Mercury when I was with United California Bank.

MaryAnn Foster

May 25, 2014

Condolences to the Smoley family on the loss of a very special guy - from your former neighbor on Serr Court.

Carol Bungert

May 25, 2014

Dear Smoleys,
Thinking of you all as you grieve the loss of this wonderful man. Holding you close in thought and prayer.
-Carol and Terry

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