Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr.
Passed January 28, 2026
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Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr.
Joseph “Joe” Smolenski was born in New Hyde Park, on Long Island, New York. He grew up around the family funeral business. His sister, Carol, has fond memories of their youth: family driving trips together all over the Northeast; large, overflowing Christmas parties with extended family; and backyard barbecues with neighbors. He was very interested in sports, both as a fan and as a talented athlete. He was considered a baseball star in New Hyde Park, well known for his powerful home run hitting, which helped bring his team to the NY State little league playoffs. He made his family very proud while they sat in the bleachers cheering him on. He loved music and learned the trumpet as a teenager, a hobby he renewed in retirement. Two of his favorite musicians were Maynard Ferguson and Buddy Rich. Joe was a warm and loving man, with many, many friends.
Before going into the family funeral business, he dabbled in different careers. He was briefly in pilot school; owned a camera store in East Northport, NY; worked with his father-in-law in metal die stamp manufacturing; opened his own metal die stamp manufacturing business; and in his earlier years, he was a roadie for a band, and worked with his uncle in commercial real estate. At one of his sales positions in the early 1970s, he won a trip to Puerto Rico. On the trip, he recognized his first wife, Janet, whom he had seen at a seminar back home on Long Island. They immediately clicked and married a few months later. They raised four beautiful children together during their 30 year marriage.
After many different career directions, Joe finally decided to go to funeral directing school in 1993. Eventually, he took over his father’s funeral home in New Hyde Park, NY. He had a great business mind and work ethic. He not only continued the family business successfully but also founded a new business, the Renaissance Funeral Home, in Raleigh, NC in 2003. After opening this new business, he met a local hairstylist named Amy Jones. They married in 2005. Together they lived in Cary. He enjoyed a cigar, a gin cocktail, oysters, crabcakes, cookies, going out to dinner, trips to Emerald Isle, NC and Florida, flying on a jet, reading weather forecasts (which he reported having an interest in since he was a toddler), texting weather reports to his children, reading the NY Post newspaper, reminiscing about his life in New York, and any excuse to get together with his family and friends. Above all, Joe was a family man. His enthusiasm for his family and life will be very missed.
He was especially close to his first grandchild, Angie, whom he would bring to Disney World and the beach any chance he got. He showered her and all the grandchildren with all the love he could give. He ensured his children and grandchildren had the very best care and education. After 3 daughters and 3 granddaughters, he finally received the news that a grandson was on the way. He was so happy to add a boy to the family but sadly will miss his arrival set to come in April 2026.
He is survived by his wife, Amy Jones; his children, who he adored: son, Joseph Smolenski, III (and Sarah) of Wendell; twin daughters: Dina Smolenski and Diana Unterborn (and Erik) of Cary; daughter, Lisa Ferrante (and Joey), of Colorado; three grandchildren: Angie, Hayden and Fiona; sister, Carol, of New York; and niece, Hannah (and Matt), of New York.
“Flowers are welcomed, but if you prefer to donate to a charity, Dad was known to give to Wounded Warrior Project, St. Jude, and Haven House (Raleigh); however, a charity of your choice would be welcomed as well.” - Joe III
Live Stream
Services
Visitation
02:00 PM - 04:00 PM
Vigil Prayer Service
07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Visitation
07:30 PM - 09:00 PM
Mass of Christian Burial
11:00 AM
Entombment
01:00 PM
Live Stream
Photos & Video
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Tributes
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Ed J Brachocki sent Serene Lily Basket for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 08, 2026
Rest in Peace Joe. You were a great guy. All our love to the family. Ed and Sue Brachocki
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Renee LaRocca sent Ocean Devotion for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 06, 2026
With All our Love, Michelle and Michael LaRocca
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Miki Liu sent Beautiful Dreams for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 05, 2026
We're friends of Lisa (& Joey), and are sorry to hear of the family's loss. May the whole family experience the God of all comfort in the coming days. - John & Miki Liu
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Michael Novarro sent Gracious Lavender Basket for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 02, 2026
Our prayers are with you and the entire Smolenski family. May he rest in peace. ~The Novarro family
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Virginia Ingram sent Mixed Spray for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 02, 2026
With prayers and condolences for the family. I am truly sorry for your loss. Kindest regards, Ginny Ingram
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James Charles Bonawitz sent Traditional Floor Basket for Joseph Richard Smolenski Jr. - February 01, 2026
With Love and Prayers for the whole family. I am truly sorry for such a tremendous loss. Most Sincerely, Jim Bonawitz
Condolences
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February 09, 2026
The Cabrera Ferrante is keeping your family in prayer. We are sorry for your loss
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February 08, 2026
My sincerest condolences to the Smolenski family. I had the privilege of having worked for Mr. Smolenski in New Hyde Park. He always treated me as a gentleman. Rest in Peace Sir. God Bless. Ken Fairben, Floral Park, N.Y.
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February 06, 2026
I was Joe's neighbor in NHP and lived around the corner from his family home. I knew his family well. Joe and his father handled the funeral arrangements for several members of my family over the years as the NHP funeral home was the funeral home of choice in you lived in NHP. Joe was known by everyone in NHP and will be missed. My condolences to Joe's family James Fitzgerald East Meadow N.Y.
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February 05, 2026
We're friends of Lisa (and Joey) and are sorry to hear of the family's loss. May the whole family experience the God of all comfort in the coming days. - John and Miki Liu
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February 04, 2026
My deepest condolences to the Smolenski Family. I meet Joe about five years ago he was an amazing person. I will miss seeing him and all of our chats about living up north and hearing all the wonderful things he has told me about his family. He will be greatly missed by many. Rest in Peace Joe
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February 03, 2026
Sincere condolences to Joes family. Our most recent memory was spending time together in Palm Beach where we had a great time and enjoyed several dinners together. Gone too soon. Rest in peace my friend🙏🙏. Anthony and Debby Pontosky
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February 02, 2026
There are so many wonderful memories of my brother in law. Most of them were when you lived in Northport. Our kids grew up together and shared some fun times. Rest in peace Joe Love you Dorine
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February 02, 2026
Our deepest condolences to Joe Smolenski for the loss of his father. May God comfort you in this sorrowful time. We'll keep you in our prayers for the peaceful rest of your father's soul.
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February 02, 2026
I met with Joe and his (Joe Jr.) and had great conversations about growing up in Miami. We attended the same community college, but at different times. As a fellow Knight, he was man who valued his family, his community and his faith! Thank you for contributing to our community here; you will be missed!
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February 02, 2026
I was privileged to know Joe and to work for him at renaissance funeral home. He was a great gentleman and he will be missed. My prayers are with him and his family.
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January 30, 2026
I was so sorry to hear of Joe's passing when Lisa told me. Growing up in New Hyde Park, he was like a second father to me, and my childhood memories are full of spending time with the Smolenski family, as Lisa and I were inseparable. I hope you all find peace during the coming days; you have my deepest condolences. -Elizabeth Ray (McCluskey)
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January 30, 2026
Dear Joe III , i'm so sorry to hear of your dad's passing. May he rest in peace.
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