Matthew Kevin Smith, 34, of Woodbridge, Virginia, passed away on September 27, 2025.
Born on June 14, 1991, in Ashland, Ohio, Matt was the beloved son of Kevin Smith and Kimberly Moran (née Haberman). He graduated from Ashland High School in 2010, where he excelled as a wide receiver and cornerback on the football team and competed in track as a sprinter and long jumper. His high school years were filled with enduring friendships and cherished memories that stayed with him throughout his life.
Matt had a lifelong passion for sports and loved sharing that enthusiasm with his family. A devoted fan of all Cleveland teams-yes, even the Browns-he found joy in rooting for the Buckeyes and celebrating their many victories together.
Known for his big heart and generous spirit, Matt found his greatest happiness in being a father and spending time with his family. He was quick to offer a smile, a laugh, or a helping hand, and he deeply cherished every moment with those he loved.
Professionally, Matt was a Senior Superintendent with HITT Contracting in Virginia, having previously worked with Hoar Construction. He took pride in his work and built lasting friendships on every job site.
Matt is survived by his three children, Colson, Charlotte, and Madison Smith; his father, Kevin Smith of Ashland; his mother, Kimberly (Michael) Moran of New Albany; his sister, Liz (Aaron) Rowsey of Ashland; his paternal grandmother, Sue Smith of Ashland; his maternal grandparents, Robert and Marilyn Haberman of Melfa, Virginia; and his step-grandmother, Barbara Moran of Midlothian, Virginia. He is also survived by aunts and uncles: Chris (Nicole) Haberman of Cape Charles, Virginia; Tammy (Tony) Royse of Ashland; Barbara Smith of Ashland; and Keith (Tammy) Smith of West Salem; nieces and nephew: Caroline, Brynn, and Dawson Rowsey of Ashland; his former spouse, Elisabeth Smith of Cicero, Indiana; co-parent, Hailey Dornon of Easton, Maryland; and many loving cousins.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Bob Smith; his uncle, Andy Smith; and his father's partner, Lori Skidmore.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, November 22, 2025, from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at The Rambler, 218 N. Countryside Drive, Ashland, Ohio. Interment will take place at Hazzard Cemetery at a later date.
In place of flowers, donations may be made to the Matthew Kevin Smith Memorial Charitable Fund at the Ashland County Community Foundation.
You can give online at ashlandforgood.org by selecting Donate and searching for the fund. Checks may be made payable to Ashland County Community Foundation (ACCF) with "Matthew Kevin Smith Fund" on the memo line.
For those unable to attend, online condolences may be shared on the funeral home's website at denbowfh.com
Denbow-Gasche Funeral Home & Crematory is handling the arrangements.
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