Matthew “Matt” Smith

Matthew "Matt" Joseph Alan Smith, 53, passed away surrounded by the love of his family on February 23, 2026. As he took his final breath on what had been the gloomiest of days, the clouds parted and a brilliant sunset flooded his hospital room with golden light - a heavenly sign that brought comfort to those who loved him most. Even in his final moments, Matt left everyone in awe.

Born on May 4, 1972, in Schenectady, New York, Matt was a force of nature from the very beginning. He attended Scotia-Glenville CSD. Growing up, he was the fun-loving big brother; he helped his mother, Ginny Lynn Harwood (Adams), care for his four siblings. Protective, playful, and endlessly loyal, he set the tone for a childhood filled with laughter, music, and just the right amount of mischief. He played baseball and developed a lifelong love of stock car racing that would become part of his identity.

When Matt was 15 years old, Ronald Dinsmore married his mother and became his dad, blending their family and giving him two older sisters. Ronald was a devoted father who shared Matt's humor and heart - and together, they created unforgettable family memories. Ginny and Ronald worked together across the Capital Region, appearing at community events and celebrations. Bringing joy to others wasn't just something Matt did - it was who he was raised to be.

Matt built a life working with his hands and his mechanical mind. Whether working on cars, roofing homes, or tackling construction projects, he was a true jack-of-all-trades. There wasn't much he couldn't repair. But more importantly, there wasn't much he wouldn't do for someone he cared about. His charm was magnetic - he had a way of "sucking you in" with a joke, a story, or that unmistakable grumpiness or grin. Once you met Matt, you never forgot him.

On July 19, 2008, Matt married the love of his life, the former LoriAnne Esposito. She was his person - his best friend, his ride-or-die, the girl of his dreams. Their loyalty to one another was unmatched. In a moment that perfectly reflects the depth of their hearts, the couple, still dressed in wedding attire, visited his father in the hospital that evening to say goodbye. Ronald passed the following day, July 20, 2008.

Matt and Lori shared a deep love of music. Lori walked down the aisle to Ozzy Osbourne's "Mama I'm Coming Home," and from that moment on, it was clear their love story would be anything but ordinary. This year, Lori promises to bring Matt's ashes to a Godsmack concert and Fonda Race Track-a fitting tribute for a man who lived loudly, loved fiercely, and felt music in his soul. They also shared quieter rituals, especially their sacred hour between 2 and 3 PM spent watching General Hospital - because even rock-and-roll rebels appreciate tradition.

A regular at Fonda and Malta Speedways, Matt proudly served as crew chief for Greg Havlicek and Mike Block and was appropriately nicknamed "Monkey". The roar of engines and the smell of fuel were his therapy. He loved riding his Harley-Davidson and attending the Harley Rendezvous in Mariaville and Catskill Mountain Thunder. If it was fast, Matt loved it.

Above all else, Matt's family was his world. His brothers and sisters were his best friends. They shared music, Dallas Cowboys pride, college softball games, lacrosse games , basketball and football games, watching Cletus McFarlane or Bert Kirschner on YouTube, and so many, many hours watching racing, especially out in his shed, ridiculous dad jokes, and the joy of watching one another become parents. Matt was a proud uncle - the "cool uncle" who taught the kids how to drive long before they were legally allowed and who showed up for every milestone especially the football games and basketball games . His nieces and nephews weren't just relatives; they were his kids.

Loyalty defined him especially in his club days in OTHG and being a founding member of Deathrisin MC and Blind Legion. If Matt loved you, he loved you completely. He would walk off a job, drop everything, and show up without hesitation. Being in Matt's inner circle meant you had a defender for life.

For the last two years, after a five-year remission, Matt courageously battled cancer with grit and humor at Roswell Center. His spirit never wavered. He formed friendships with the doctors and staff , leaving his mark even in the hardest spaces especially Bay 7. He would color pictures and make sure that everyone had a picture. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to the Ellis Hospital Roswell Center for their compassionate care, especially Dr. Mahmood, P.A. Alyssa Aragosa, the nurses and staff, and "Doctor Nose-A-Lot," the hospital clown.

Matt was predeceased by his father, Ronald Dinsmore.

He is survived by the love of his life, Lori Anne Smith; his loving mother, Ginny; and stepfather, Donald Harwood; siblings, Melissa (Keith) Loeber, Karey (Steven Sheldon) Schaeffer, Mark(Bridget) Smith and Chad (Amber) Smith; his sisters Laura(Larry) Parsons, Lynn (Larry) Hynnes, stepdaughter, Katie (Christopher) Massie; cherished pseudo-son, Tyler Laudati; in-laws Joan and Thomas Esposito; his beloved dog, H.D.; and his treasured "kids" - his many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews who will forever carry his stories.

Calling hours will be held at Glenville Funeral Home, 9 Glenridge Road, on Sunday, March 1st, from 11 AM to 2 PM, followed by a Celebration of Life.

In honor of Matt's courageous fight, memorial donations may be made to the Ellis Hospital Roswell Center.

As the sun set on February 23rd as his spirit was transitioning- it brightened the room and proved it did not signal the end of Matt's story - only the beginning of a different kind of light. And for those who knew him, every sunset will now feel a little more sacred.