Preceded by Raymond Lederer Preceded by Joseph Scanlon Died May 14, 1999 | Preceded by David Glancey Name Joseph Smith Succeeded by Robert Borski Resigned January 3, 1983 | |
Role Member of the United States House of Representatives | ||
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).
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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.