Obituary of Joseph J. Smith

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Joseph J. Smith, 82, of Colonie, N.Y., passed away unexpectedly on Friday, September 6, 2024, at Albany Medical Center surrounded by his loving family. Joseph was born August 3, 1942, to Joseph W. and L. Louise Smith. He was a graduate of Christian Brothers Academy and attended Hudson Valley Community College where he received his degree in Electrical Technology. Upon his graduation, Joseph started his career as a Communication Technician with General Electric. Joseph then worked for AT&T and was offered a career change to NYNEX, Bell Atlantic, (now known as Verizon) where he retired as a Telephone Switchman after a rewarding and successful career of 35 years. Joseph was also a member of the local CWA 1118, where he once held a position of shop steward.

Joseph always put his heart, soul, and knowledge into everything he did. He was an avid independent pilot who enjoyed flying his airplane, attending flying club meetings, and flying with his dear friends Tony Russo and Gordie Christian on Sundays. He was a member of the Schodack Flying Club at South Albany Airport. When Joseph wasn't working, busy helping others in need, or flying, he enjoyed spending time with his family at his camp in Schroon Lake, spending winters at his home in Florida, and going to the ocean. Joseph also enjoyed boating and fishing with his family, and always did his best trying to catch "Walter." Joseph volunteered and donated to many organizations, such as the Wounded Warrior Project, local, county, and state law enforcement agencies, military organizations, and Christian Brothers Academy. Joseph proudly served in the New York Army National Guard with the 227th Signal Company as a Signal Support Specialist, fulfilling his military contract.

Joseph married the love of his life, soulmate, and best friend, Genevieve "Ginny" Domagalski - Smith, on September 4, 1965, whom he was predeceased by, knowing she would be waiting with open arms at the gates of Heaven. Joseph has left behind his only brother, John F. Smith of Voorheesville, N.Y.; sisters-in-law, Denise Fitzgerald of Slingerlands, N.Y., and Angel (Joel) Ketonen of Garland, Texas; his children, daughter, Linda A. Skiba (Rodney Moon) of Waterford, N.Y., son, Nicholas J. Smith Sr. (Katina Maniscalco Smith) of Latham, N.Y., daughter, Amy M. Burton of Clifton Park, N.Y., and daughter, Karen L. Cleghorn, of East Greenbush, N.Y.; grandchildren, Nicole Skiba, Matthew (Emily) Skiba, Angelica Smith (April), Felicia (Caleb) Wygel, Nicholas Smith Jr., Joseph Smith (Sofia), Ryan Smith (Emily), Hollie Burton (Jason), Heather Burton, Robert Cleghorn III, Nicholas Cleghorn, and Ava Cleghorn; great-grandsons, Gabriel and Levi Wygel. Joseph also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, and cousins. Along with his beloved Genevieve, Joseph was predeceased by his parents, Joseph W. Smith and L. Louise (Swift) Smith; his father-in-law, Joseph Domagalski and mother-in-law, Genevieve Domagalski; sister-in-law, Joanne Platt, and her late husband, Joseph Platt; brother-in-law, Joseph Fitzgerald; and his son-in-law, NYSP Captain David M. Skiba.

Joseph was a member of Christ Our Light Catholic Church, in Loudonville, N.Y. Because of Joseph's devotion of always putting others' needs before his own, in lieu of flowers, the family suggests donating to your favorite organization in remembrance of Joseph J. Smith and his humble, beautiful, giving heart.

Calling hours will be Thursday, September 12, 2024, from 4 - 8 p.m., at the Reilly & Son Funeral Home, Colonie. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 13, 2024, at 10:00 a.m. at Christ Our Light Church, 1 Maria Drive, Loudonville. Burial will be in Immaculate Conception Cemetery in Latham.