Smith

Joseph J. Smith, 91, of Butler, passed away on Sept. 22, 2022, at UPMC Passavant Hospital in McCandless Township.

He was born Aug. 21, 1931, on the South Side of Pittsburgh, and was the son of the late James and Margaret Smith.

Joe graduated from Peters Township High School, where he played basketball.

Following graduation, he attended Bethany College, and then was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After an honorable discharge from the Army, Joe completed his degree in electrical engineering and graduated from Penn State University. At Penn State University, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi and the Glee Club. He also earned his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

Joe spent his entire professional career at West Penn Power Company (Allegheny Power System). He began his profession in Greensburg, West Penn Power Company’s headquarters (Cabin Hill), where he met his beautiful and wonderful wife of 61 years, Karen P. Smith (Peterson). They were married on Sept. 12, 1959, and she preceded him in death in 2021.

Joe is survived by his two sons, Mark (Jody) Smith of Alpharetta, Ga., and Robert (Lora) Smith of Cranberry Township; one daughter, Joan (Richard) Hetherington of Charlotte, N.C.; nine grandchildren, Kara Smith, Erik Smith, Kylee Smith, Matthew Smith, Michael Smith, Mark Smith, Luke Smith, Rebecca (Rodrigo) Rodriguez and Timothy (Victoria) Hetherington; and a sister, Carolyn Richardson of Canonsburg.

Joe was an avid outdoorsman with the Butler Outdoor Club and the North Country Trail, where he supported the Boy Scouts with their Eagle Scouts in earning their merit badges. For the North Country Trail Organization, Joe maintained the trails with his colleagues and identified/marked the various pathways for Butler County’s residents and visitors. He was also a 50+ year member of the Butler Lions Club, where he sold light bulbs and brooms and Christmas trees to benefit the Butler Blind Association. Joe was also a member of the Toastmasters Club. In addition, for many years, Joe volunteered in support of his hometown Butler Road Race, in which his children and grandchildren participated.

He most enjoyed being with his three children and nine grandchildren. His favorite place to vacation with family was Stone Harbor, N.J. He was an avid and fervent sports follower of Pirates baseball, Steelers football, Penn State University football and the University of Pittsburgh basketball. Joe enjoyed attending sporting events and other school activities of his grandchildren. He also was an avid reader, and was always sending important and relevant articles to family and friends.

He was a dedicated and active parishioner of St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, where he was a lector for many years, as well as a member of the church council.

For the past year, Joe resided at Atria Senior Living in Cranberry Township, where he was an honored ambassador to the current and new residents of this facility. Joe was a social person, and he truly enjoyed the personal interaction with all of the members and staff.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his sisters, Delores Simmons and Irene Bartko; as well as a brother, Don Overcashier.

SMITH — Friends of Joseph J. Smith, who died Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, will be received from 4 to 7 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, at THOMPSON-MILLER FUNERAL HOME, 124 E. North St., Butler.

A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday at All Saints Parish, St. Michael the Archangel Roman Catholic Church, 432 Center Ave., Butler, with the Rev. John Baver as celebrant.

Burial will take place in the Greensburg Catholic Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Butler Lions Club, 322 North Cedar Street, Butler, PA 16001.

Online condolences can be given at www.thompson-miller.com.

Please sign the guest book at www.butlereagle.com.