REVEREND WILLIAM J. SMITH

 1921 – 2017

Reverend William J. Smith, Pastor Emeritus, Saint Joseph Parish, Downingtown, died on Wednesday, February 8, 2017.

Father Smith was born on March 10, 1921, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He is the son of the late Daniel Pyle Smith and the late Kathryn (Weaver) Smith.  Father Smith attended Lowell Public School, Philadelphia, and Olney High School, Philadelphia, before entering Saint Charles Borromeo Seminary.

Father Smith was ordained on May 31, 1947, at the Cathedral Basilica of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia, by Most Reverend Hugh L. Lamb.  Father Smith served as Parochial Vicar at Saint Anthony of Padua Parish, Easton; Saint Paul Parish, Philadelphia; Saint Gregory Parish, Philadelphia, Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Philadelphia; and Saint Martin of Tours Parish, Philadelphia.  In 1975, Father Smith was appointed Pastor, Joseph Parish, Downingtown, and named Pastor Emeritus there in 1991.

Reception of the Body will be held at Saint Francis Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care, Darby, on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 9:00 AM, followed by a viewing.

Most Reverend Charles J. Chaput, O.F.M. Cap. will celebrate a Funeral Mass for Father Smith at Saint Francis Center for Rehabilitation and Health Care, Darby, on Thursday, February 16, 2017 at 11:00 AM.  Among those concelebrating the Funeral Mass will be Reverend Monsignor William J. Dombrow, Reverend Monsignor Daniel J. Sullivan and Reverend Edward J. Kennedy.  Monsignor William Dombrow is the homilist.

Father Smith is survived by his nephews and nieces.  Interment will be at Saint Joseph Cemetery, Downingtown.