Paul Joseph Smith, Sr.

On April 11th, 2025, Paul Joseph Smith, Sr., 80 of Wilmington, Delaware, received his Permanent Change of Station Orders from the Supreme Commander for duty guarding Heaven’s streets.

Paul was born on 17 January 1945 in Springfield, MA, to Stephen M. Smith and Anna M. Puchinsky Smith both of Enfield, CT. He is survived by his wife, Kathleen Duffy Smith and son, Paul J. Smith, Jr, both of Wilmington, DE.

 Paul graduated from Saint Joseph’s School, Enfield CT, Cathedral High School (now Pope Francis Prep), Springfield, MA, and Merrimack College, North Andover, MA. He served from May 1966 through June 1975 in the United States Marine Corps, attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. He served in Viet Nam in 1970-1971 with the 3rd CIT in support of the 5th Marines. He received a Navy Commendation for his work while in Vietnam. He worked in stores for Wohl Shoe Company from 1976 to 1989. He was a Justice of the Peace in Delaware from 1989 until his retirement in 2015.

Paul was active in Saint Ann’s Parish, Wilmington, DE, where he was an Usher. He was a 3rd Degree Knight of Columbus with the Monsignor DEWSON Council 13821 and a 4th Degree Knight of Columbus with the Bishop MARDAGA Assembly 2014.

 Paul was a Life Member of the General Thomas Holcomb Detachment of the Marine Corps League, Marine Corps Association & Foundation, Atterbury VFW Post 3420, the American Legion Post 10 (PUFL), and AMVETS Post 100. He was also a member of the Marine Corps Counterintelligence Association (MCCIA).

 He is survived by his four siblings: Stephen M. Smith, Jr.  (Susan) of Enfield, CT, Kenneth J. Smith (Martha) of Concord Township, OH, Rosemary A. La Macchia (Kenneth) of Bonita Springs, FL, and Annemarie J. Almeida (Keith) of Enfield, CT. There are fifteen nieces and nephews as well as many great-nephews and great-nieces.

 Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at Saint Ann Church, 2013 Gilpin Street, Wilmington, DE 19806 at 10:30AM on Friday, April 25, 2025.

 Viewing and burial will be private.

In lieu of flowers, donations are requested for Saint Ann Parish, 2013 Gilpin Avenue, Wilmington, DE 19806; Pope Francis Prep, 260 Surrey Road, Springfield, MA 01118-1199; or Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation, 909 N. Washington Street, Suite 400
Alexandria, VA 22314.

 A lot of prayers are also requested.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Paul Joseph Smith, Sr., please visit our floral store.