Matthew H. Smith

Matthew Holtz “Smitty” Smith, 45, of West Derry, went to be with our Lord on Thursday, January 4, 2024.  He was a 1996 graduate of Derry Area High School. He furthered his education at Vale Tech and Penn State New Ken.  Matt was proud to own and operate Smitty’s Inn of Derry with his father.  He later worked for Pepsi Co. as a driver and mechanic and then, proudly, a DSO for First Energy.  Matt was known mostly for his parking lot of vehicles and the “shaggin’ wagon” that he would not sell.  His wife and children were his greatest loves.  Spending time with his boys in the garage, hunting, camping and boating at Raystown Lake and on the Allegheny River, and playing Fortnite, were the joys of his life.  Matthew was a member of FOE 1612 and the Derry Rod and Gun.

Matthew leaves behind his wife of 20 years, Stacy Long Smith, and his three sons Jackson, Bradley and Michael, all at home.  He is also survived by his mother, Nelie Mowry Smith of West Derry, a sister, Courtney Miller (Josh) of Ligonier, several nieces, nephews and extended family members; and special friends Tim Allshouse and Brandon Mowry.  He is preceded in death by his father, Barry “Smitty” Smith, nephew, Nicholas Neiderhiser, and special Uncle Vic Mowry.

Visitors will be received at McCabe Funeral Home, 300 West 3rd Ave., Derry, PA from 2-4pm and 6-8pm on Monday, January 8, 2024.  Funeral service will be held at McCabe Funeral Home on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, at 11:00am by Pastor Shawn Lyons of Harvest Church.  Interment will be private at a later date.  In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Matthew’s memory to the National MS Society.

Matthew, we were supposed to grow old together.  To live out our dreams together.  “I’ve loved you my whole life” were the words you said to me on our first date.  I fought so hard for you and I’m sorry we didn’t win this battle, sweet boy.  I will love you forever.  You are my favorite.  Stacy