Joseph G. Smole

Joseph G. Smole, age 91, passed away February 18, 2024, at Lake West Medical Center in Willoughby, Ohio after a brief illness. He was born July 18, 1932, in Cleveland to Joseph J. and Anna (Pirnat) Smole 

Joseph served in the United States Army as a Corporal and MP overseeing the prisoner exchanges during the Korean War.  He was employed by W. S. Tyler Manufacturing for many years and for Gabriel Shocks.  Joe also survived the East Ohio Gas fire in 1944. 

“Pap” was an avid basketball and baseball player growing up in the Slovenian neighborhood around St. Vitis Church.  He was captain of the St. Clair Merchants ball team as well as the KSKJ League basketball team.  He acquired many trophies and awards, and he was an active player until his early forties.

Joe and Carole were married 60 years.  Sharing a passion for animals, Joe built two dog pens on their property and together they raised German shepherds for over 30 years.  He also enjoyed his cats and he made and gave a good life and home to many.

Joe was always a friend to any stranger…people he met in a store, at St. Mary’s or anywhere he went.

Joe is survived by his son, Chris (Donna) Smole; daughter, Heather (Randy) Dolan; grandchildren, Josh Dolan and Paige Dolan.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Carole H. (Jones) Smole in 2023; sister, Darlene Rodamer; and his parents.

Friends will be received 2:00 – 4:00 PM, Sunday, February 25, 2024, at Spear Mulqueeny Funeral Home, 667 Mentor Avenue, Painesville, Ohio.  Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Monday, February 26, 2024, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 242 North State Street, Painesville, Ohio.  Burial will be at Riverside Cemetery

The Funeral Mass will be live-streamed through St. Mary Church on their Facebook page.  www.stmarypvl.org

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