JOSEPH V. SMOLSKIS

SOUTHBURY- Joseph V. Smolskis, 94, of Southbury, died Monday, April 22, 2013 at Bethel Health Care Center. He was the husband of Roberta (O'Connor) Smolskis.

Born November 8, 1918 in Waterbury, to Tecla and Dominik Smolskis, Lithuanian immigrants, Mr. Smolskis graduated from Crosby High School in 1936.

From 1936 to 1944 he worked for Scovill Manufacturing as a machine operator and toolmaker.

Mr. Smolskis was drafted into the army May 1944 and served as a rifleman in the Rhineland campaign. He was wounded in action and became one of the first recipients of the recently created Bronze Star, which is awarded for acts of heroism, merit, or meritorious service in a combat zone. He also earned the Purple Heart for his injuries.

After a year of recuperation, he attended and graduated from Georgetown University and Georgetown Law School.

Mr. Smolskis worked at Aetna Insurance Company in Hartford before opening his private practice in Waterbury. He was active with the Democratic Town Committee and served as a commissioner on the Board of Public Health. In 1967 he was appointed chief clerk of the Fourth Circuit Court in Waterbury, retiring in 1986. Mr. Smolskis was a member of the Disabled American Veterans, the Knights of Columbus, the Elks, the American Legion, and the VFW. He devoted time to many Catholic charitable organizations in the Waterbury area including the Holy Name Society and the Serra Club.

He was an avid tennis player, enjoyed reading suspense novels, listening to classical music, and watching the Hoyas' and UConn women's basketball games.

In addition to his wife of 50 years, he is survived by two sons, Joseph W. Smolskis and his wife Mary of Kensington, Md., and Richard D. Smolskis, of Carlsbad, Ca; four grandchildren, Maureen, Erin, Michael, and William; a sister, Cecilia Tunila, of Plymouth; and several nieces and nephews. Burial will be private. The Southbury Funeral Home of Munson-Lovetere, 235 Main St. North is assisting will arrangements. Online condolences may be made through www.munsonloveterefuneralhome.com.

Memorials: Contributions may be made to the Heritage Village Ambulance, P.O. Box 2045, Southbury, CT 06488.

Cemetery: Cemetery Not Applicable

Location: Munson-Lovetere Southbury

Funeral: Sacred Heart Church

Services: A memorial Mass will be held on Monday, April 29, at 11 a.m. at Sacred Heart Church, 910 Main St. South, Southbury.

Visitation: There are no calling hours.