Joseph A. Smith

Joseph Allen Smith, age 90, of Des Moines, Iowa passed away on Friday, February 16, 2024. A visitation will be held Friday, February 23, 2024, from 5 - 7 p.m. at McLaren's Resthaven Chapel in West Des Moines, Iowa. A funeral mass will be the next day at 10:00 AM at Saint Augustin's Catholic Church in Des Moines.

Joe had a deep heart for the needs of people in the Des Moines community. As Vice President of Fundraising for the United Way of Central Iowa (1977-1988) Joe brought significant changes in planning, policy and corporate participation that helped grow and expand the level of giving and impact of the United Way in the Des Moines area. After United Way he worked endlessly to help non-profits with their fundraising campaigns and was particularly involved and fond of the Salisbury House. He worked for EMC Insurance Companies at the end of his career as Director of Community Relations. He was very giving to all and made it a point to make donations to many. Joe volunteered at a number of organizations, but was particularly committed to the Catholic Worker House. Over the years Joe mentored and encouraged countless young people to help them enter the world of business.

Joe was an incredible storyteller with short stories being published in well-known Connecticut newspapers. The two most prominent works were Grimy the Griffin and Christmas Bridge at Birmingham. Joe wrote a Christmas story each year for over 50 years which he shared with family and friends.

Joe was brilliant with the ability to read and speak seven languages and would many times refer to Greek and Latin backgrounds to terms and expressions. Much of his linguistic skill came from his early years at Catholic Seminary.

One of his favorite hobbies was his library of old radio broadcasts; and it was something shared with and enjoyed by many. Joe was a lifelong learner, which he instilled in his children and later in life to his beloved grandchildren.

Joe is survived by his wife, Judith Smith; sister, Angela Smith; children, Arthur (Renea) Smith, Mark (Shelly) Smith, David (Lisa) Smith, Helen (Jim) Lile, Ray (Ashley) Philips, Joy (Steve) Mulholland; grandchildren, Jessica Jimenez, Joel (Jessica) Smith, Ashley Smith, Jason (Beba) Saunders, Ryan Smith, Brandon Smith, Alexandria Smith, Victoria Smith, Andrew (Destiny) Lile, Jillian Lile, John Phillips, and Madeleine Phillips; many nieces, a nephew, and many great grandchildren. He was predeceased by his first wife, Dolores B Smith; daughter, Mara Smith; mother, Ruby Smith; brother, John Michael Gill; sister-in-law Irene Fortunato; brothers-in-law John Fortunato and John Prano.

Memorial contributions may be directed to the Salisbury House in Des Moines in memory of Joe.