Joseph F. Smith (Pennsylvania politician)

Joseph F. Smith
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 3rd district
In office July 21, 1981 – January 3, 1983
Preceded by	Raymond Lederer
Succeeded by	Robert Borski
Chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic City Committee
In office April 14, 1983  – June 16, 1986
Preceded by	David Glancey
Succeeded by	Bob Brady
Member of the Pennsylvania Senate from the 4th district
In office January 5, 1971 – July 21, 1981
Preceded by	Joseph Scanlon
Succeeded by	Joe Rocks
Personal details
Born	January 24, 1920
Died
Political party	Democratic
a.^ Smith defeated Edgar Campbell, who had been serving as the city party's Acting Chairman since Glancy's resignation became effective March 10, 1983, for the post.

Joseph Francis Smith (January 24, 1920 – May 14, 1999), was a member of the United States House of Representatives from Pennsylvania during the Ninety-seventh United States Congress (1981–1983).

Background

Smith was born in the Kensington section of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania - a community composed of blue collar families, mostly of Irish, Polish and Russian heritage. He was married to Regina Bukowski-Smith, also of the Port Richmond section in Philadelphia. They had one daughter, Regina. Smith was a Sergeant and Purple Heart recipient in the United States Army during World War II.

Political career

After leaving the military, Smith became active in local politics, serving first as Ward Chair for James A. Byrne between 1965 and 1970. He became Byrne's Administrative Assistant during that time. He then served in the Pennsylvania State Senate from 1971 until 1981, and eventually became Chairman of the Committee on Appropriations.

He won election in 1981 as a Democrat to the 97th Congress through a special election to fill the vacancy caused by the resignation of United States Representative Raymond Lederer due to the ABSCAM sting. Smith lost the Democratic primary in the special election to David B. Glancey, but then ran as a Republican, with the blessing of the GOP, in the general election and won. He promised during his campaign that he would caucus with the Democrats if elected.

After redistricting in 1982, Smith narrowly lost the Democratic primary against fellow congressman Tom Foglietta. He went on to become Democratic City Chairman in Philadelphia between 1983 and 1986. Smith also served as the 31st Ward Leader for more than three decades.

Honors

In honor of Smith's years of service to his community, the United States Postal Service facility located at 1602 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia ("Kensington Station") was renamed as the Joseph F. Smith Post Office Building.

References

• Joseph F. Smith at the Biographical Directory of the United States Congress
• H.R.4554: To redesignate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1602 Frankford Avenue in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as the "Joseph F. Smith Post Office Building". Sponsor: Rep Robert A. Borski. Introduced May 25, 2000; July 18, 2000, considered and passed House; October 6, 2000, considered and passed U.S. Senate.

United States House of Representatives
Preceded by Raymond Lederer	Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Pennsylvania's 3rd congressional district 1981–1983	Succeeded by Robert Borski
Pennsylvania State Senate
Preceded by Joseph Scanlon	Member of the Pennsylvania Senate for the 4th District 1971–1980	Succeeded by Joe Rocks
Party political offices
Preceded by David B. Glancey1	Chairman of the Philadelphia Democratic Party 1983–1986	Succeeded by Bob Brady
Notes and references
1. Immediately preceded as Acting Chairman by Edgar Campbell.