Joseph Edward "Pop" Smith

Joseph Edward Smith, of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, March 10, 2026, at the age of 96. Joseph was the beloved husband of the late Stella Ann Binczak Smith.

Born in Philadelphia in 1930, Joseph was the son of the late Joseph George Smith and Mary Fitzgerald Smith. He was predeceased by his brother, Chaplain Aquinas "Jack" Smith, USN.

Joe attended Roman Catholic High School, he was an accomplished swimmer. He later served his country in the United States Army as a paratrooper. After completing his military service, he graduated from La Salle College.

Joe "Pop "was deeply devoted to his family, his faith, and his community. He volunteered at the Holy Terrors Boys Club.

Swimming remained a lifelong passion for Joe. After retiring, he became a lifeguard, later teaching swimming. He also took great pride in teaching his grandchildren to swim.

Above all, Pop loved his family. His steady presence, quiet strength, and devotion to those he loved will be remembered always.

Joseph is survived by his children and their spouses: Janine Smith Holian and her husband James; Joseph Smith and his wife Joyce; Kimberly Smith Shandler and her husband Alan; Valerie Smith Brady and her husband William; and John Smith and his wife Susan.

He is also survived by his grandchildren: Lauren Shandler and her husband Dale McClister, Rachel Shandler, Brittany Shandler Gelleri and her husband Jakob, Erica Brady May and her husband Enrique, Brianna Smith, and Jenna Smith; and his great-grandson, Hollis Murray Gelleri.

Family and friends are invited to greet Joseph's family on Friday, March 20, 2026, at St. Bernard Roman Catholic Church, 7341 Cottage Street Philadelphia, PA. 19136, from 9:00 a.m. until his Funeral Mass at 10:00 a.m. Interment will take place at Holy Sepulchre Cemetery, 3301 West Cheltenham Ave Philadelphia, Pa. 19150.

A luncheon after interment at Tony's Pizza 1297 Greeley Ave, Warminster, Pa. 18974.