Joseph "Joe" Walter Smith, 85, passed away on April 15, 2025, following a short illness.

Born in Washington, D.C., Joe was the son of Herbert and Margaret Smith. He is survived by his beloved wife of 61 years, Ann, and their four daughters: Jamie Capel (Dublin, OH), Robin Dillon (Galena, MD), Tracy Henry (Darren) of Stow, MA, and Mandy Collins (Cache, OK). He is also survived by seven grandchildren and three siblings: Rita McKendrick (Carlsbad, CA), Peggy Tregoning (Union Bridge, MD), and Leo Smith (Galena, MD). Joe was preceded in death by his sisters, Pat and Kathleen.

Joe and Ann began their married life on Maryland's Eastern Shore, moving to the town of Millington in 1964. With a tireless sunup-to-sundown work ethic, Joe launched and led three successful businesses over four decades. He began by purchasing 50 acres of land to establish his dairy farm, Joleo Farms, which he grew to a herd of 125 registered Holsteins. In the early 1970s, recognizing a need in the landscaping industry, he began collecting tree bark from local sawmills, grinding it into mulch, and delivering it across MD, DE, PA, and NJ with a growing fleet of tractor-trailers under the Joleo Farms Organic Materials name.

After selling the dairy herd, Joe wasn't content with slowing down. He took on a new challenge—purchasing Sassafras Harbor Marina in 1992. What started as a marina quickly grew under Joe's leadership into a multi-faceted operation including boat slips, a service shop, a marine store, and a yacht brokerage. Sassafras Harbor Marina became one of his greatest passions—a place where he combined his love for the river, business, and the boating community. Joe took particular joy in welcoming both seasonal slip holders and transient boaters to the Sassafras River. Even at an age when most retire, Joe remained dedicated to working every day. He was at his best when building and growing thriving businesses.

Joe had a deep love for family and was a lifelong supporter of community and civic life. He had a passion for politics and was always engaged in the conversations that shaped his community. His strong Catholic faith was central to his life. He was a devoted member of St. Dennis Catholic Church in Galena, where he served as a lector, Eucharistic minister, catechism teacher, and member of the Parish Council.

As a youth, Joe was active in 4-H, a tradition he passed on to all four of his daughters, who were active members of the Kent County 4-H program. Joe remained a strong supporter of the Kent County 4-H Association for many years. He was also active in the Kent County Holstein Club and the Georgetown Yacht Club.

A visitation will be held at the Galena Funeral Home, 118 W. Cross Street, Galena, MD 21635, from 4:00 PM to 6:30 PM on Thursday, May 1st. A Mass of Christian Burial will follow on Friday, May 2nd at 10:00 AM at St. Dennis Catholic Church, 153 N. Main Street, Galena, MD 21635.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Joe's memory to the Galena Volunteer Fire Company (90 E. Cross Street, Galena, MD 21635), the Animal Care Shelter for Kent County (10168 Worton Rd, Chestertown, MD 21620), or a charity of your choice.