Joseph “Jay” Paul Smith Jr., 69, of Breinigsville, died Jan. 7, 2024.

He and his wife, Christine M. Smith, were married 49 years on New Year’s Eve.

Born in Philadelphia, he was a son of the late Joseph Paul Smith and Elizabeth Kosty.

An avid reader throughout his entire life, he also loved to travel with his wife.

When he wasn’t doing either of these, he was doing everything he could to make his wife happy.

He also had a love of gadgets, flashlights and lights in general.

While he held many jobs in his life, his favorite was working in hardware stores.

He loved helping everyone with their projects and offering advice when necessary.

Known to be a quiet man, he was dependable and loved by everyone who knew him.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by a daughter Jennifer Crown (Shane) of Emmaus; sister Janet Kostenbauder; grandchildren Marissa and Michaela DiBucci, Zoe and Zachary Smith, and Julie Ketrow; great-granddaughter Adrianna Buchanan; many nieces and nephews; his best buddy Nanook; and granddog Venus.

He was predeceased by a brother, Donald Smith.

His memorial service will take place 6 p.m. Jan. 18 in Keller Funeral Home, 1018 Church St., Fogelsville.

Visitation will be from 5-6 p.m. Interment will be private.

Condolences may be offered to the family at kellerfuneralhomes.com.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The American Heart Association, c/o the funeral home, P.O. Box 52, Fogelsville, PA 18051.