Obituary of Joseph J. Smolira

JOSEPH J. SMOLIRA

Joseph J. Smolira, 73, of Bethesda, Ohio, died Wednesday, August 30, 2017 at Cleveland Clinic.  He was born February 14, 1944 in Lafferty, Ohio, son of the late Joseph Smolira and Aniela Waskiewicz Smolira.

Joe, as he was known to all, was a member of Assumption Catholic Church.  He was very dedicated to the church and never missed attending Mass.  He was a retired mine foreman from The Ohio Valley Coal with over 30 years of service. He loved the outdoors, hunting, traveling, and was considered a gourmand, as he enjoyed good food.  He enjoyed watching his grandchildren play ball.  Joe was a person who touched many lives.  He was a very kind man with a warm and caring heart.  He was never too busy to stop and share a few minutes with those he knew.  He and Sandy’s love and devotion to each other was a true blessing.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Stanley Smolira.

Joe will be sadly missed and is survived by his loving wife of 54 years, Sandy Smolira of Bethesda, Ohio; sons, Joe Smolira of Nashville, Tennessee, Kurt (Melissa) Smolira of Bethesda, Ohio, Wade (Lori) Smolira of Flushing, Ohio; grandchildren, Taylor Benedetta, Kaleb, Emy, Kolby, and Ayden Smolira; and brothers, Harry (Dolores) Smolira of Flushing, Ohio and Max (Betty) Smolira of Salem, Ohio.

In honoring Joe’s wish, there will be a private family viewing.  Family and friends are welcome to attend a  Mass of Christian Burial which will be celebrated, Saturday at noon, Assumption Catholic Church, 306 West Main Street, Barnesville, Ohio.  Father Dave Cornett presiding.  Interment will follow at Gates of Heaven Cemetery, Lafferty, Ohio.

The family has entrusted Joe’s care with Patron Funeral Homes & Crematory Kelly Kemp Braido, Bethesda, Ohio.

Memorial contributions may be made to Assumption Catholic Church in Joe’s memory.

Those wishing to share a fond memory or their condolences, please visit:  kellykempbraidopatronfuneralhomes.com