Joseph Gerald Smaltz

Joseph Gerald Smaltz, 89, formerly of Niles, passed away Friday, May 31, 2024, at Shepherd of the Valley Liberty.

He was born December 19, 1934, in Sharon, Pennsylvania, the son of Joseph M. and Elizabeth Tomko Smaltz.

Joe was a member of St. Stephen Church in Niles and attended St. Stephen School and served as an altar boy. Joe graduated from Ursuline High School and participated in track and football. Joe earned a full scholarship to John Carroll University where he earned a B.A. in Business Administration. While at JCU, Joe participated in track and football. Joe was awarded the Cleveland Touchdown Club as the most valuable player of Greater Cleveland in 1958 and was inducted into the John Carroll University Hall of Fame for Track and Football. Joe was in the Army ROTC program at JCU and obtained the rank of Captain.

Joe was drafted and played professional football for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. Joe was a life-long Pittsburgh Steeler fan.

Joe was very involved in his church and community. His love and loyalty to St. Stephen Church was of upmost importance, as he chaired the Parish Council and the Finance Committee.

Joe was employed by Arby’s Inc. as franchise director and later an Arby’s franchisee. He belonged to the Ben Lin Club, Youngstown YMCA and the John Carroll University Alumni Association.

Joe had a heart full of love for his family, which he showed by hosting sprawling parties and holiday gatherings that brought everyone together. Despite his advanced age, Joe’s love for sports and good company remained unwavering.

Joe is survived by his loving wife, Carol Uhrin Smaltz, whom he married on May 5, 1962; his three sons, David Smaltz of Warren, Thomas Smaltz of Niles and Joseph Smaltz of Niles; two daughters, Anne Marie (David) Hanlon of Pittsburgh Pa. and Julia Romanus of Raleigh NC.; a brother, Kenneth (Janet) Smaltz of Howland, a sister, Patricia Gabig (Terry Baumer) of Indianapolis Indiana; and four grandchildren, John and Thomas Hanlon, Michael and Stephana Romanus; and his loving foster daughter, Maria Martin; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents and a sister, Joan Potter.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at noon, Thursday, June 6, at St. Stephen Church in Niles. Calling hours will be from 9:30 a.m. until 11:15 a.m. at the Holloway-Williams Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 611 Robbins Ave., Niles. 330-652-2422

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that material donations be made to the funeral home to be divided between Joe’s favorite charities.

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