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HIGH POINT — Deacon Joseph Thomas Smith, 89, died on Tuesday, Aug. 28, 2012, at Maryfield Nursing Home in High Point.

A Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated on Friday, Aug. 31, 2012, at his parish of the Immaculate Heart of Mary in High Point at 8 p.m., following visitation from 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Father Vincent Smith, OSFS, nephew of the deceased, was the celebrant at the Mass. Father Joe Zuschmidt, OSFS, gave the homily. He was the pastor with whom Deacon Smith served the longest. His brother, Father Frank Smith, offered the commendation. Bishop Peter J. Jugis was in attendance.

"Deacon Joe" served as a deacon at his parish since his ordination by Bishop Michael J. Begley on May 29, 1983. He was part of the first permanent deacon class for the Diocese of Charlotte and is the 10th of that class of 19 men ordained together to pass from this life. Diminutive of stature, he was cheerful to all of his family, friends, parishioners and fellow deacons.

He was born June 17, 1923, in Philadelphia, a son of the late Eugene and Mary Brennan Smith.

He met his wife Jean in England, where he served in the U.S. Army. They were married March 2, 1946, in St. Patrick Church in England.

They settled in High Point in 1955.

He was preceded in death by his wife, who died Sept. 21, 1987. In addition to his parents and wife, he was also preceded in death by five brothers and sisters.

He is survived by two sons, Dennis Smith and wife Laura of Mooresville, and Chad Smith and Rene of Thomasville; two brothers, Gene Smith of Philadelphia, and Father Frank Smith of Palm Bay, Fa.; three grandchildren, Morgan Smith, Megan Condrey and Dawn Smith; two step-grandchildren, David and Amanda; and two great-grandchildren, Christianna and Gracie Condrey.

Father Vincent Smith, OSFS, pastor of Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, is his nephew.

— Catholic News Herald