Advertisement. Advertise with us

IN MEMORIAM

Joseph George Smaila III, 92
Rotarian president, he helped start
Worcester Pool and Worcester Health Center

Worcester – Joseph George Smaila III, 92, went home to be with the Lord on April 10, 2021.

Joe was born in January of 1929 in New York City to Anna Udovich, who was originally from Austria.

He graduated from Worcester Central School, Class of 1949. He worked at his family’s restaurants, Bright Side Central Hotel and Anna’s Restaurant. He also worked at Worcester Lumber Co., General Electric, and Prudential Insurance as an agent. Joe was honored to receive several Vice-Presidential Academy of Honor Awards throughout his 30-year career at Prudential. Joe served as Rotarian President and contributed to the inception of the Worcester Pool and Worcester Health Center. He was a lifelong resident of Worcester. Joe loved his family, friends and community, enjoying bringing people together with a good laugh, cooking, a good poker game and a good polka.

Joe is survived by his wife, Jean Smaila of 20 years; son, Joseph “Buzz” and wife, Rita Smaila; daughter, Andria “Andi” Smaila; grandchildren, Christine (Smaila) and husband, Justin Soudant, Sara (Smaila) and husband, Brendan McGrath; great-grandson, Joshua Soudant; sister-in-law, Joyce Udovich; step-children, Marty and wife, Diane Winn, Ronnie and wife, Ginny Winn and Maryann (Winn) and husband, Wes Kryger; several grandchildren, nieces and nephews.

Joe was predeceased by his first wife, Louise; his parents, Anna and Bill Udovich; sister, Barbara George and brother, William Udovich.

A private graveside service will be held at the St. Joseph’s Cemetery in Worcester.

Cards and remembrances may be sent to the family.

Online condolences may be made at, www.hellerskinnerfh.com. The Heller & Skinner Funeral Home, 155 Main St., Worcester, is assisting the family.

Posted

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.


Related Articles

In Memoriam: Linda Mae Rexroth

Linda Rexroth of San Clemente, California (April 1, 1934-January 6, 2026) died on January 6, 2026 in a skilled nursing facility where she was being cared for since she broke her pelvis in October 2025. Linda was the daughter of Fred and Mary Dulin and lived in Fly Creek...…
January 26, 2026

In Memoriam: Gerry Miner Welch

Gerry Miner Welch, 78, of Cooperstown, New York, passed away peacefully at his home on January 12, 2026 surrounded by loved ones. Born on December 26, 1947 in Cooperstown, Gerry was the son of Mildred Miner Welch and Alva Curtis Welch, both well known for their contributions to the community.…
January 26, 2026

In Memoriam: Alvin M. Walker, Jr.

Alvin M. Walker Jr. “Merk," 90, of Huff Road in Pierstown, passed away peacefully on Friday, January 9, 2026 when his hardworking heart finally wore out. Merk was the son of the late Alvin M. and Mary Walker. He is survived by Carol, his wife and best friend of 63 years; daughter Amy and her husband Christopher; son Steven and his partner Sylvia; and son John and his husband Keith.…
January 12, 2026

PUTTING THE COMMUNITY BACK INTO THE NEWSPAPER

For a limited time, new annual subscriptions to the hard copy of “The Freeman’s Journal” or “Hometown Oneonta” (which also includes unlimited access to AllOtsego.com), or digital-only access to AllOtsego.com, can also give back to one of their favorite Otsego County charitable organizations.

$5.00 of your subscription will be donated to the nonprofit of your choice: Friends of the Feral-TNR, Super Heroes Humane Society, or Susquehanna Society of the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals 

Visit our “subscribe” page and select your charity of choice at checkout