It is with deep sorrow that we announce the death of Joseph John Smit. He left us far too soon. Joseph died at the age of 33 on May 12th, 2022, from sudden heart failure. He will be greatly missed by his family and friends.
Joseph was born on May 16th, 1988, in Scottsdale, Arizona. He attended Saint Agnes Elementary in Phoenix, Arizona. Joe graduated in 2006 from Brophy College Preparatory, where he was a member of the stage crew, and developed a fondness for Dungeons and Dragons. He graduated from Arizona State University in May of 2010 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science.
Joe was a quiet soul, who was warm, gentle, and kind, and had a dry understated sense of humor. He enjoyed going out and sharing drinks and dinner with friends. He also enjoyed the outdoors. Joe particularly liked hiking into the Superstition Wilderness. His father would join him on occasion. Joe also enjoyed climbing and would often join members of his family at a local climbing gym for hours of fun. He was an avid reader and especially enjoyed science fiction and fantasy.
Joseph is survived by his parents, Jerry Smit and Barbara Murphy, his brother Joshua Smit, and his grandfather Terrence Murphy. He is further survived by his aunts Therese Parmanand (Shashi), Marissa Tessman (Thant), and Stephanie Milich (Richard), and uncles Matt Murphy, John Murphy (Alexandra Froseth) Peter Smit (Lori), and Michael Smit (Hector), as well as his cousins Shawn, Sasha, Chanda, Newton, Janna, Aden, Kobi, and their families. Joseph was predeceased by his grandmothers Mary Murphy and Maria Smit, grandfather Pieter Smit, uncle Christopher Murphy, and cousin Nicolas Smit.
Joseph’s family is so grateful for the outpouring of prayers and kind thoughts that they have received. In lieu of flowers, we request that you send donations to a favorite charity.
A Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 25, 2022 from 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Whitney & Murphy Funeral Home, 4800 E. Indian School Rd., in Phoenix. A Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, May 26, 2022 at 10:30 a.m. at Saint Agnes Catholic Church, 1954 N. 24th Street, Phoenix. Burial will immediately follow the service at the Saint Francis Catholic Cemetery, 2033 N. 48th Street, in Phoenix.
Hector and Michael Smit Carlicci
No words for this moment— just the thought that now Joe is closer to us than ever
Lisa Eshleman
Dear Jerry, Barbara, and Joshua,
We send our deepest love and prayers, There are no words that can be said. Just know we sit in silence to honor you and the loss that has taken place at this time. We are here for you. Much love, Cousin Lisa, Mike and Family
Kitty Hamersma
I am so sorry for your loss… My thoughts and prayers are with you. Kitty
Kathy Hunter
May God’s peace and comfort be with you during this time with the knowledge that he called your son home for a purpose that may be revealed to you with his love.
I am sending you all endless amounts of healing love and light to help with this difficult journey.
Robin and Gary Weesner
Dear Barbara and Jerry, we have been thinking about you two since I heard about JJ. We are so incredibly sorry and sad about his passing. Since I haven’t seen JJ in several years, he will always be a child in my memory. I was happy to see the photographs you included and also to know that he had wonderful interests and experiences. We will be making a donation in his name to the Humane Society of the White Mountains.
Karen and Jim McDermott
It is so very difficult to comprehend why some souls must be called home at such a young age, but we hope your family will take comfort and find peace in the memories of Joseph you’ve shared and know that so many have you all in their thoughts and prayers.
Mike & Sofia G
Joseph will always be remembered as gentle and kind. We’ve been remembering how he would sneak in at the most unexpected times with the best dry jokes or come backs. Sending you all our deepest condolences. He won’t be forgotten.
Mark & Patty Soffel
Word cannot express the sadness we feel for you. Yea it deepest condolences to your family.
Vimal Chauhan
I am very saddened to hear of Joseph’s passing. My heartfelt condolences go out to the Smit family. My prayers are with you.
Linda & Naida
Oh my goodness, what a horrific loss. We send you all love and prayers and help you through this most difficult of times.
Joey Pace
I was so sorry to hear of Joseph’s passing. Please accept my condolences and I will say a prayer for your family in this difficult time, Jerry.
Lynda Adams
There are no words. Just huge hugs from me and my clan to you all.
Sending much Love and Strength during this unimaginable time.
Cindy Forsberg
I am so sorry for your loss. May Joseph rest in God’s eternal peace. Know that your family is in our prayers.
Michelle Leach
Jerry,
My most sincere condolences to you and your family during this difficult time. I pray the Lord provides comfort and strength to all of you. My heart breaks for you.
Always a friend,
Michelle Leach
Doris Scholte
Jerry and Barbra,
We can not explain in words how sorry we are for your sudden loss of Joseph. Our hearts go out to you and the family. We send you our Love❤, Hugs, and Prayers
Love, Andy and Doris Scholte
Naida Brooks and Linda Lawrence
I remember the boys from my art class at St. Agnes. They always brought a unique perspective to class. Made you think. As a parent and grandparent I cannot imagine your loss. May God bless you all.
Jen Widlowski
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I am so sorry for your loss. May God provide you with love, strength and comfort during this difficult time.
Paul Schweitzer
Jerry, Barbara, and Joshua, My heartfelt wishes to all of you and your extended families.
I never got to meet your son, but I know through his dad that he was a special guy! I wish you the very best!
Prayers to all!
Paul Schweitzer.
Jean Blum
I was so saddened to hear of the sudden loss of Joseph.
I remember him as a polite and respectful boy in my music class at St. Agnes. He was a good boy that had a certain light about him.
I am so sorry for your loss.
I pray you feel the comfort of Christ’s Love about you at this sorrowful time and I pray for the soul of Joseph.
Oh Most Sacred Heart of Jesus,
I place my trust in You.
Mrs. Blum
Manuel Padilla
My heartfelt condolences for the loss of Joseph. One can only cherish the time we have with each other and save those precious memories forever. May the Lord and each other give you all the strength to heal your hearts.
Leo & Michele Leonart
Dear Barbara & Jerry, Never knew JJ, but we know that, with you two as parents, he must’ve been a special young man. Our best wishes and prayers are with you at this time of imaginable sorrow. Love, Leo & Michele Leonhart
Navi Randhawa
RIP Joseph. You will be forever missed.
Diane Newberg
I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope your memories will be a comfort to you.
Hugs, Diane