Joseph Smukler Esq.

I knew Joe thru the summers of 49-55 when we worked as waiters at Log Tavern adult resort, Milford, pa where in addition he was on the tennis staff, and thru Harvard Law School where he preceded me by 2 years. I studied from his class notes and they were good. I stayed at his house in Strawberry Mansions, and continued the relation until shotly before his death. He had a fabulous memory and could recite anything, a good lawyer and a great friend to me and the Jewish community.
jay Hyman, HLS '55, wash dc.

Connie Lasch Smukler grew up in Narberth, Pa, where, at Narberth Public School, I knew her as an outstanding student, editor of the student newspaper, and member of the field hockey team. I send my condolences to the Smukler family.

Just learned of Joe's passing from the remembrance in the Legal Intelligencer . Will never forget the times together in days gone by with the Philadelphia Eagles and my treasured friendship with Joe, Connie and Lou and Mildred . Our world is a lesser place with Joe's passing .
Sincerest condolences to Connie and the family .
Buck Riley

We never met Connie but Nate and Lil were my aunt and uncle too. Nate, my Mother's Brother. Nate and Lil were always proud of "Joey."

David A. Feldheim

My deepest sympathy on the passing of dear Joe. His warmth and love for all people will never be forgotten. My prayers are with you and the family.
Doris Smukler Schor
Warminster, PA

Dear Connie,
We haven't been together for many, many years. Joseph and you were very kind to my daughter, Mirabai, when she visited Philadelphia for her auditions. Please accept my condolences. I was known to you as Betty Kaplansky.

i will miss his smile,kind words and the twinkle he always seemed to have in his eyes.

Dear Connie and family,
Neuza and I wish to express our deepest sympathy for Joe's passing.
Bernard and Neuza Smukler

Fond memories of Joe from a fellow Central and Kenyon College alumnus. He was full of life and a great guy to be around. Haven't seen him since those days, but remember him with great fondness. My condolences to the family.
Sincerely,
Al Ballard, Central, 189, Kenyon, 1952.

Our hearts are saddened today with the loss of this "gutta neshuma' and true "mensch". Brian and I think of Joe and you many times in our daily lives and even though we didn't see him sometimes for years at a time, when we did meet , he always gave us the biggest, warmest hello and feeling that he was truly delighted to see us again. He was a role model in Soviet Jewry, as a lawyer and mentor, and as a proud Jew. Our thoughts are with you and your family. May his memory be for a blessing.
Love,
Carole and Brian Cleere

We will miss your kindness and friendly smile. A half century agao we first met and became linked in the Jewish community. Your service to the Jewish refuseniks and State of Israel are a shining exmple for your family Shalom, havrah.

I will miss my longtime friend of more than 45 years. He was a mensch and a getta neshuma. As Joe lwould say in our native tongue, momaluschenm "Ah zoy gaitus."
When we first met we were both young. He was president of the Association for Jewish Children and I was a young editor/columnist for the Jewish Times. Through the years our paths crossed constantly and I marvelled at his dedication and devotion to the Jewish people and the State of Israel. I remember well when the Soviet Jewry Council started. Joe and Connie, along with Leonard Shuster, Malvina Charleston and many others from Har Zion, became the ffirst free the thousands of Jewish refusenicks from the Societ Union.
I also was present with Joe when he suffered his first heart attack at the Holiday Inn in West Philly. God knew he had a lot of living to do and a lot of work ahead.
My deepest condolensces to Connie and his family. He will never be forgotten, but more important we will always remember his smile, goodness and mercy. He was always proud that the Jewish paperhanger's son from Strawberry Mansion became president of the Jewish Federation, and that his portrait hung on the wall with many of the great names of the past.
Shalom Joe.

As Joe's younger cousin, I grew up in Lorain Ohio hearing about his outstanding accomplishments and have fond memories of his visits to us and his Grandmother. Only sorry that we had not maintained contact. Sending condolences from the Kaplansky side (his mother's maiden name).
Lynn Gottlieb Barry

Mr. Smukler was one of the good guys. Always had a smile and a kind word. I worked with him at Meyer, Lasch, Hankin and Poul many years ago. My condolences to the family.

Great men like Joe live eternally in the history of humankind.
My love and respect to Connie and the entire Smukler family.
May his memory be a blessing forever.
-Dr. Linda Ziman and family

I am now retired and live in Florida, but keep in touch with my Philadelphia roots and the courts, etc.

Just learned of Joe's passing and it brought back very fond memories of a great guy who treated everyone fairly and with dignity.

I can attest to this as I first met Joe when I came to the USDC and later became the Chief Deputy Clerk of Court.

Joe alweays was what a lawyer should be
as well as an example to be repeated as a good and caring human being.

May his family support each other with
what is needed in these times of need.

Joe Benedetto

I admire all the great work Joe has done for his many causes. My prayers are with your family.

Dear Connie & family,

Kristi and I wish to express our deepest sympathy for your loss. The Mitzvah's you and your beloved preformed will never be forgotten.

He cast a giant shadow. All were blessed to know him.