Joseph “Joe” A. Smith
Joseph “Joe” A. Smith, 70, of Hermon, NY, passed away peacefully at his home on December 26, 2024. Calling hours will be held
on Sunday, December 29th from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 7: 00 to 9:00 PM at the funeral home. A Celebration
of Life for Joe will take place on January 4th, 2025, at 1:00 PM at the Skunk’s Nest in Hermon.
Joe is survived by his beloved wife, Sheri; two sons, James and his wife Lori Smith of Massena, and John
and his wife Katie Smith of Potsdam; and four cherished grandchildren, Evan, Cullin, Kane, and Ali Smith.
He is also survived by his siblings, Gerald Way and Paul Smith of Gouverneur, as well as several nieces and nephews.
Born on March 11, 1954, in Massena to James Edward and Grace Way Smith, Joe graduated from
Hermon Dekalb Central School in 1973, where he was a celebrated championship wrestler, taking third
place in the state finals. He married his high school sweetheart, Sheri Cardinell, on December 30, 1975, inthe town of Hermon.
A skilled carpenter and mason, Joe worked for numerous construction companies throughout his career,
including Acts II Construction, Sheehan Construction, R & S Construction, Five C Enterprise, and Bette
and Cringe. He was a proud past member of the Stella Mines Hunting Club in Hermon and the St. Henry Church in Dekalb Junction.
Joe was also a licensed owner and racer of harness horses, with his horses competing throughout the
Northeast and Canada. He was an avid hunter and he was always ready to lend a helping hand,
particularly with construction projects. He cherished attending his grandchildren’s hockey, football, and
baseball games, and he enjoyed the company of his basset hound, Bud Light, a cold Budweiser, and the good times at the Skunk’s Nest.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that contributions be made to the Have a Heart Charity, PO Box 291,
Hermon, New York 13652.