Joseph “Joe” Robert Smyjunas Sr., affectionately known as “Paps,” of Leesburg, passed away peacefully on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at the age of 92, at Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Venice in North Venice, Fla.
Joseph was born on July 19, 1932, in Shenandoah, Pa., to Wanda Yasinsky and Joseph Smyjunas. He was raised in Shenandoah and graduated from West Mahanoy Township High School in 1950. Over the years, he remained closely connected to his roots — hosting Polish dinners for his fellow alumni and organizing multiple class reunions.
A man of intellect, service and deep devotion to family and tradition, Joseph proudly served as a staff sergeant in the United States Air Force and was honorably discharged on Sept. 1, 1956. Following his military service, he earned a degree in electrical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh/Indiana Institute of Technology.
Joseph’s professional life reflected his passion for technology and education. Alongside his father, he developed and built one of the earliest commercial cable television systems in their hometown of Shenandoah, allowing them —and their neighbors — to watch Philadelphia baseball games on their RCA black-and-white TVs. He began his career working as an intern alongside legal experts on the renowned Pumpkin Papers case during the Cold War. He went on to work as an Electronic Communications Engineer, specializing in data communications across various platforms. His career continued with roles at IBM, Kingston, N.Y.; Sanders Associates, Nashua, N.H.; Raytheon, Waltham, Mass.; Digital Equipment Corporation, Maynard, Mass.; and CNN, Atlanta, Ga. He also shared his expertise as an instructor at Northeastern University’s School of Engineering.
On Oct. 13, 1962, Joseph married Judith “Judy” Helen VanDercar in Auburn. They were blessed with 55 years of marriage before Judy’s passing on May 2, 2018. Over the course of his life, Joseph called several places home — including Nashua, N.H.; and Cumming, Ga. — before retiring to Lake Tippecanoe in Leesburg. A lifelong baseball enthusiast, he was a devoted Pittsburgh Pirates fan and found great joy later in life attending Fort Wayne TinCaps games.
Joseph lived with intention and a commitment to wellness. He was an avid runner and organic gardener for many years, taking pride in maintaining a healthy lifestyle. He especially treasured long walks with his family — times filled with laughter, conversation and connection.
His Catholic faith was a cornerstone of his life. While living in Atlanta, he founded a Knights of Columbus council at his local parish and later served as Grand Knight, leading with humility and a deep sense of service to his church and community. He was a longtime member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Pierceton.
Joseph was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Judy. In his later years, he found companionship and love again with Ruth Buell of Leesburg, who remained by his side with unwavering care.
Known lovingly as “Paps,” Joseph was a proud and devoted father to Rob Smyjunas and his wife Bitsy, Cincinnati, Ohio; and Elizabeth Jackson and her husband Robert, Raleigh, N.C. He was a cherished grandfather to Peter Jackson, Quinn Smyjunas, Evan Smyjunas, Samantha Smyjunas, and Robert (wife Lauren) Smyjunas. He is also survived by several nieces and nephews who will fondly remember his warmth, wisdom, and gentle humor.
Joseph’s legacy endures in the values he instilled — curiosity, kindness, faith and service. He will be remembered for his quiet strength, sharp wit, love of nature and unwavering devotion to those he held dear.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, April 15 from 11 a.m. to noon at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, 408 W. Catholic St., Pierceton, followed by a funeral mass at noon officiated by Father Daniel Chukwuleta. A graveside service will be conducted at 2 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Cemetery in Auburn with military rites. Arrangements were entrusted with Redpath-Fruth Funeral Home, 225 Argonne Road, Warsaw.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Joseph’s memory may be directed to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church, P.O. Box 376, Pierceton, IN 46562; or to Tunnel to Towers Foundation, 2361 Hyland Blvd., Staten Island, NY 10306.
Online condolences may be sent through the funeral home’s website at www.redpathfruthfuneralhome.com.