Paul Joseph Smeller

Paul Joseph Smeller, age 78, went to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, March 14, 2020 in Albuquerque, New Mexico.

Paul was predeceased by his parents, Lloyd and Magdalene Smeller, and by his son, Matthew Smeller of Grand Prairie, TX. He is survived by his beloved wife, Peggy Redmond Smeller of Albuquerque, his children, Carl Smeller (Michelle) and grandson Tristan of Fort Worth, TX, and Christina Joy of Albuquerque. He is also survived by his siblings, Carl Smeller (Barbara) of Loveland, OH, George Smeller (Jackie) of Mount Airy, MD, Joan Cooper (Ben) of Edwardsville, IL, Donald Smeller (Barbara) of San Antonio, TX, former wife Ellen “Desiree” Louis-Maubert of San Diego, CA, and by many nieces and nephews.

Born August 31, 1941 in Barberton, Ohio, Paul attended Barberton High School, where he excelled in multiple sports, and developed a lifelong, passionate devotion to his Cleveland Indians, and could quote their every statistic and chronical every bit of trivia of teams past and present. Paul earned a degree in English Literature from Purdue University, and returned to Ohio following graduation to pursue a career in life insurance, settling in Wadsworth, Ohio where he eventually rose to Vice President of Sales for Westfield Life Insurance Company. Paul was active as a liturgical leader and lay eucharistic minister at Sacred Heart Parish, and also coached the Middle School boys’ basketball team in the Catholic Youth Organization.

Paul left Ohio for New Mexico in 1993, establishing his own insurance and financial planning agency, P.S. Financial Services. He was the consummate insurance professional and forceful advocate for his many clients small and large. Blessed with a deep baritone voice, tall of stature, and shock of white hair, Paul was instantly recognizable. He enjoyed singing with various local groups over the years, and in the choir of Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church. Paul and Peggy enjoyed traveling abroad, and his many selfless acts of kindness to those in need are a continuing source of Peace and Joy to us in his memory. The family would like to extend a heartfelt Thank You to all of his friends for your ongoing support since his passing.

Paul’s Funeral Mass will be held on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 at Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic Church – 811 Guaymas Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87108, with Rosary at 10:30 a.m. and Mass of the Christian Burial at 11:00 a.m.

Please consider a remembrance to Our Lady of the Assumption Catholic School or Roadrunner Food Bank.

Services are being handled by French Funerals and Cremations – Lomas if you wish to send flowers.