Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
FUNERAL HOME
Matthew Smelser Obituary
Matthew C. Smelser, 43, of Charleroi, died Sunday, January 5, 2020.
Born March 16, 1976, in Toledo, Ohio, he was a son of Charles J. (Sharon) Thomas of Perrysburg, Ohio, and Sandra (Spivey) of Monessen.
A 1995 graduate of Frazier High School, Matt continued his education with various Paramedic and EMT classes. For the past 24 years, he worked as a paramedic, becoming a supervisor for the Rostraver-West Newton EMS Department while also working for UPMC's Paramedic Response Unit, during which time Matt was a decorated member of the UPMC Search and Rescue Unit with his K-9 Mondo. Matt had previously worked for TCA.
A member of Edwards Chapel United Methodist Church in Finleyville, he had recently joined a local gun club because he enjoyed shooting, and he also enjoyed golfing, swimming and especially riding quads with his son, Logan. Matt always enjoyed helping others and took pride in teaching and instructing paramedic and EMT classes. He believed time was not measured by the years you live, but by the deeds that you do and the joy you bring to others.
A family-oriented, loving husband and father, in addition to his parents he is survived by his wife of 19 years, Lynn Lenzi Smelser, whom he married May 6, 2000; a son, Logan; and daughter Adriana Smelser; two brothers and a sister-in-law, Charles and Nicole Thomas of Dayton, Ohio, and Jason Thomas of Maumee, Ohio; two sisters and a brother-in-law, Shelly and David Lynch of Fayette City and Stephanie Thomas of Perrysburg, Ohio; eight nieces and nephews, whom he was like an extended father to, Krisi (Justin) Secrest, Adam Lenzi, Brayden, Addison, Sophia and Haylee Thomas, Anthony (Michelle) Lynch and Gregory Lynch; his mother- and father-in-law, Rita and Alfred Lenzi of New Eagle; and a brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Al and Denise Lenzi of Monongahela. He will also be dearly missed by his extended family, good friends, co-workers and all the patients he lovingly helped over the years.
Preceding him in death were his brother, Kyle Smelser, who died in 2003, along with his beloved partner, Mondo.
Friends will be received from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and 2 to 8 p.m. Thursday in Marshall Marra Funeral Home, 216 Chess Street, Monongahela, 724-258-6767, marshallmarrafuneralhome.com, where services will be held at 10 a.m. Friday, January 10, with the Rev. Richard Roberts officiating. Interment will follow in Monongahela Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Smelser
Ame Caline
January 10, 2020
You were a role model to all!
You & Tiger were so proud of your
Life Saving profession!!!
James Drane
January 9, 2020
There is no words to help with the pain you feel with your loss. But please take comfort in knowing Matt has touched many lives in person and those whom never met him. He is a true idol and Hero whom has shown what unconditional love is. He will be missed emensly but never forgotten.
My family and I loss my son 16 years ago at age 5. And to this day I still tell strangers and new friends about how my son touched many peoples lives through his actions of unconditional love. And through me he is still touching lives. And that had helped me with my grieving more so than anything else
Martha and Rick Wallace
January 9, 2020
Our deepest sympathy to the Lenzi and Smelser families. May God Bless all of you at this tragic and sorrowful time.
Craig Gibson
January 8, 2020
My condolences to entire family and friends who are hurting from this tragic accident. He was way to young and it was way to soon. God had a calling for you brother you will be miss by all forgot by none. You have touch so many people in your years of public safety. Till we meet again Matt watch over everyone like i know you will. Rest easy brother we got it from here. Prayers up blessing down my friend.
Brian & William Mason
January 8, 2020
To The Family,
Another ANGEL called home to soon, but GOD knows better.
Our sincere deepest condolences to you and your family.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all during this difficult time.
May Paramedic Matthew C. Smelter, Go Fly High On That Mountain.
Candy West
January 8, 2020
Lynn,
My heart is so heavy for you and your precious family. All I can say is to hold tight to memories for comfort, lean on friends for strength, and always remember how much you are cared about.
Local Person
January 7, 2020
Thank u for all that u have done for the entire community! Taken too soon while doing what u did every single day! Prayers to u and ur family
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Smelser's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Smelser
Jan
8
Jan
9
Jan
10
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Smelser's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
