Joseph "Joe" Smith

Joseph "Joe" Smith, 88, beloved father and grandfather, was called to his eternal resting place on January 8th, 2022. His mother, Rosa Cortese Smith and his grandfather, Vincenzo Cortese were instrumental in his early life and profound influences on who he would become.

Joe served in the Air Force from 1952 to 1956 in the 461st Air Police Squadron. During his time in the service, he received the Korean Service Medal, United Nations Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal.

He married the love of his life, Penny, on June 25th, 1960, and raised two beautiful daughters, of whom Joe was justifiably proud.

In 1968, Joe and Penny started Statewide Products Co., Inc. Always a hard worker and savvy businessman, he established Pepperidge Farm in the state of New Mexico, later expanding to specialty food items. Over the next 53 years, under his direction, the company grew and prospered, and Joe was intimately involved until his final days. He valued hard work, excellence and integrity and strived for these qualities in work and life.

Joe was known as a strong, generous, loving, kind, funny and sometimes stubborn man. He loved to travel on adventures with his wife, daughters and grandsons. He cherished his family and was always the biggest supporter and fan of his grandsons in basketball and water polo, a true patriarch.

Joe was an active member of Rotary Club of Albuquerque. He was involved with many committees and particularly enjoyed the annual Rotary Golf Tournament most often joined in play by his grandsons.

He is survived by his two daughters, Deborah "Debi" Bartucci, her husband Pat, stepdaughter Kellie Rodriguez and step-granddaughter Peyton Williams, and Deanna "Dedi" Smith and her children Zane Van Winkle and Grant Van Winkle.

A visitation will be held Tuesday, January 18th at 3:30 p.m. and Rosary recited at 4:30 p.m. at FRENCH - Westside. A Funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday, January 19th at 10:00 a.m. at Risen Savior Catholic Church, 7701 Wyoming Blvd., Albuquerque, NM 87109. Interment will follow at Sunset Memorial Park in Albuquerque, NM.

Donations may be made in memory of Joe Smith to Albuquerque Rotary Club Foundation PO Box 3807, ABQ NM 87190.

The family would like you to view the Rosary which will be live streamed and available for viewing by clicking on the link below.