Matthew W. Smith

Matthew Smith, beloved father, husband, son, brother, friend, mentor, coach and educator, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at his home in Hockessin, Delaware following a long and courageous battle with cancer. He was 57.
Matt's life can be described by five words: family, friends, love, loyalty and dedication. Born in Wilmington, Delaware on June 25, 1968, he was the son of Robert and Linda Smith. Matt spent his childhood in Newport where he spent most of his time playing sports which developed his love for coaching and mentoring. He had a close relationship with his grandparents and cousins as well and especially loved his frequent weekly family dinners at his grandmother's home. He always knew at an early age he wanted to be a teacher, coach, husband and father.
Matt graduated from St. Elizabeth High School and Ursinus College, where he was a three-sport athlete in high school playing football, basketball and baseball. He formed countless lifelong friendships with his close-knit St. Elizabeth's graduating class. Matt also played football and baseball at Ursinus college and was a member of Alpha Phi Epsilon fraternity and a team captain for the football team. Once graduating, he dedicated his career as a teacher, coach, and athletic director from 1992 to 2025 at St. Mark's High School. He taught physical education for several years before embarking on the role of athletic director in 2011. He loved the close relationships he formed with his coaching and teaching peers. Matt also coached football for 19 years, basketball for 6 years and baseball for 33 years, becoming the head baseball coach in 1998. He was honored throughout his career with many accolades but rarely spoke of them.
Matt had a true passion and love for his family, friends, coaching and community. He was a man who truly loved his job and coming to work every day. He was a constant presence on the campus of St. Mark's often there from morning until late evening. He developed strong lifelong relationships with so many of the staff, students, families and the community. Throughout his 33 years of coaching, he mentored and touched the lives of countless student athletes. Matt was proud to be a part of the 2010 state championship football team, the 1995 state championship basketball team and 10 state championships ranging from 1999 until 2016 as the head baseball coach at St. Mark's High school. He was also proud to be a volunteer coach for both of his children's sports teams in the community throughout their childhoods, including several years of tenures with the Piedmont Pythons baseball team. In addition, he loved his role as a director of the Spartan Summer camps and had a gift of touching the lives of many budding student athletes and creating a positive presence in their lives.
Most importantly, Matt was a devoted husband, father, friend, son, brother and all-around family man. Over the past few years, he said there were no items on his bucket list, just more time with his family and friends. He was married for 25 years to his wife Amy and loved his children Olivia and Ryan immensely and was adored by his children, nieces, nephews and godchildren. He loved watching all Phillies sports, the game of golf, eating good food and the game of baseball. He also loved his family vacations over the years to Marco Island, Florida and Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
Matt is survived by his beloved wife Amy and his two beautiful children Olivia and Ryan, his mother Linda Smith and father Bob Smith, stepmom Joyce, and loving sister Amy Kardash (Eric). He is also survived by his in-laws Bob and Vicki Trees, sisters-in-laws Angela Smiddy (Noel), and Allison Cook (Todd). Along with his nieces and nephews Julia, Peyton, Peter, Kate, Ben, Eli, Luciana, Tony, Quinn and Maeve.
His bright, beautiful and energetic presence and personality will always be remembered. He never fully grasped the influence he had on so many lives.
Visitation: Monday September 15, 2025, 9:00am-10:45am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church, 10 Old Church Road, Wilmington, DE 19807. Funeral Mass: Monday, September 15, 2025, at 11:00am at St. Joseph on the Brandywine Church. Burial: All Saints Cemetery, Wilmington, DE. In honor of Matt, and in lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution toward his children's educational expenses. https://www.gofundme.com/f/help-the-smith-family-through-matts-cancer-battle?attribution_id=sl%3Aa502bea1-f272-4bbf-bcae-321ce99be5d3&lang=en_US&utm_campaign=man_sharesheet_dash&utm_medium=customer&utm_source=copy_link