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.