Joseph Smolinka

April 6, 1931 - June 4, 2015

Joseph Smolinka, 84 passed away peacefully on Thursday June 4, 2015 at home with his loving family by his side. He was born in Manville, NJ the son of the late John and Julia (Fender) Smolinka. Mr. Smolinka was a lifelong resident of Manville, NJ. He served his Country Honorably in the United States Navy during the Korean War on the USS Coral Sea. Mr. Smolinka received the Navy Occupation Medal, the CIA SP National Defense Service Medal and the Good Conduct Medal while in the Navy. He was a machinist at the Johns-Manville Corporation in Manville, NJ for over 20 years. He then worked at Ethicon in Bridgewater, NJ for 28 years before retiring. Mr. Smolinka could fix or make anything and enjoyed working around the house. He loved spending time with his family and especially with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mr. Smolinka was an avid Polka Dancer along with his wife Rose. He enjoyed spending the winter months in Florida. Mr. Smolinka was a lifetime member of the Thomas J. Kavanaugh V. F. W. Post #2290 in Manville, NJ as well as a member of the USS Coral Sea CVA-43 Association. He was a member of Christ The Redeemer Parish (Sacred Heart Church) in Manville, NJ. He is predeceased by a brother John Smolinka and by his sister Julia (Tiney) Fedorczyk. He is survived by his loving wife of 64 years Rose C. Smolinka of Manville, NJ, his two dear sons Gary L. Smolinka and his wife Debbie of Sinking Springs, Pennsylvania and Rick J. Smolinka and his wife Debbie of Hillsborough, NJ and by two brothers Julius Smolinka of Manville, NJ and George Fender and his wife Darlene of Manville, NJ. He is also survived by his 5 cherished grandchildren Stacey Kilchrist and her husband Cory, Scott Smolinka, Michael Smolinka and his wife Missy, Ashley Smolinka and Brian Smolinka and by his 3 great-grandchildren Kaylee, Coltyn, and Sawyer. The viewing will be on Monday June 8, 2015 from 6 to 8 PM at the Ketusky Funeral Home, 1310 Brooks Blvd., Manville, NJ. (908)575-8512. The Funeral will be on Tuesday June 9, 2015 with visitation from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM followed by a 9:30 AM Funeral Service at the Funeral Home. Burial will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery in Hillsborough, NJ. Donations may be made in his memory to: Community Care Hospice, 110 West End Ave., Somerville, NJ 08876 or to alz.org. For additional information please visit our website at www.ketusky.com.