Richie J. Smoak Jr.

Richie Joseph Smoak Jr. passed away peacefully on June 14, 2022, at the age of 85, surrounded by family.Richie was born to Richie Sr. and Mildred Smoak in Charleston, South Carolina on November 17, 1936. After graduating high school in 1958, Richie enlisted and served as a mechanic in the United States Coast Guard.

Serving in the Coast Guard brought Richie to Miami, Florida, where he met the love of his life, Carol Volpe, in September of 1958. Richie and Carol were married on September 4, 1960. Richie and Carol were married for 61 years and lived in South Florida, where they worked and raised a family.

After leaving the Coast Guard in 1960, Richie started his career working at the School Board of Miami Dade County. In the early ‘70s, Richie ran his own commercial shrimp business. Richie’s big career move came in 1974 when he got a job as a mechanic with the Miami Dade Transit System. Richie rose through the ranks quickly and became Maintenance Supervisor within his first year. Richie had a 28-year career with Miami Dade Transit, where he was recognized for his superior work ethic and professionalism. Richie made many friends and earned the respect of so many of his peers. Richie retired in 2002.

When not working, Richie enjoyed being on the water and fishing. Richie and Carol enjoyed vacation cruising in the Caribbean. Richie enjoyed doing repairs around the house and helping family and friends with their house and vehicle repairs. Anyone who knew Richie would say he could do and fix anything. Richie’s family called him a tinkerer because he was always working on or repairing something.

Richie was a great family man and will be missed dearly by his family. Richie survived by his wife Carol and their three children, Deborah, Allen, and Richie III. Richie has five grandchildren: Joey, Allen Jr, Nicolas, Amanda, and Ryan.

A memorial service will be held at Fred Hunters, 6301 Taft Street, Hollywood, Florida on June 21, 2022, from 3:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.