Joseph Patrick Smith

Joseph P. Smith, 69, of Park Forest, IL passed away the evening of September 18th after a brief stay at Lightways Hospice in Joliet, IL. Joseph was born in Evergreen Park, IL on December 25, 1951 to Charles and Lorraine Smith (nee Barbeauld) of Chicago, IL. One of five children, he was raised in the Roseland neighborhood of Chicago, attending St. Willibrord Catholic School (Class of 1969). He graduated from Lewis University in 1973 with a degree in education, and Northern Illinois University in 1979 with a Masters in education. On August 6, 1977 he married Jacqueline Baran of Brookfield, IL, and they had four children. Joseph taught mathematics at Wilmington High School and Prairie State College for over 40 years. He was a member of St. Mary Church in Park Forest, and very active in Knights of Columbus Nina Council #3602. Joseph served as President of the Membership Board for Park Forest Cooperative Area E, volunteered as a Eucharistic Minister at St. James Hospital in Chicago Heights and later Olympia Fields, and offered his services as a volunteer math tutor for many students over the years. Joseph was an avid sports fan and dedicated coach. He especially enjoyed baseball, bowling, and golf, along with anything his children or grandchildren played. He loved to travel, and tried to see all he could of our beautiful country. A kind and generous man, Joseph was a well known and beloved member of his community. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends and all who knew him. 

Joseph is survived by his wife, Jacqueline Smith (nee Baran); his children, Dawn (Michael) Zenor, Denise Smith, Steven (Jennifer) Smith and Charles (Danielle) Smith; his grandchildren, Anna, Heather, Daniel, Addison, Amelia and Trinity; his brothers Charles Jr (Nancy), Michael (Flori), and his identical twin Jeffrey (Mary Jo); his sister Mary Eileen Madison (Ronnie); eleven brothers/sisters-in-law, along with many nieces, nephews and their children. He is preceded in death by his parents, Charles and Lorraine Smith and his father and mother-in-law Steve and Frances Baran (nee Svec).