Michael Patrick Smith

Michael Patrick Smith, 44, of Centreville, Maryland, passed away on December 13, 2025.

Michael is survived by his beloved wife, Alyssa Smith; his cherished sons, Kaleb Smith and Michael Smith II; his devoted mother, Jo Ann Smith; his dear brother, Andrew Smith (Karen); his nieces and nephew, Malia, Austin, and AJ; his grandfather, Francis Oakes; his mother-in-law, Melanie Ward; his father-in-law, Kevin Nolan (Natosha); his sisters-in-law, Amy and Casey; his aunt Jane Astafan (Mike); many other loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and a close circle of friends he considered family.

He was preceded in death by his father, Richard A. Smith, Jr.

Born in Laurel, Maryland on March 17, 1981 Michael spent his early years playing soccer, baseball, basketball and football for Laurel Boys & Girls Club. He received his First Communion at St. Mary of the Mills Catholic Church. He was a 1999 graduate of St. Vincent Pallotti High School in Laurel, Maryland, where he was inducted into the Hall of Fame for his contributions on the soccer field.

Michael was first and foremost a devoted husband to Alyssa, and at the heart of their marriage was a deep and joyful friendship. They were focused on raising their boys, but they were also best friends who made each other laugh and truly enjoyed life side by side. Michael liked to call Alyssa his “Queen Bee and my heart” and what mattered most to him was quality time together. Whether that meant a lunch date, sitting on the porch together at night, going to a concert, or a getaway to Nashville, they made countless memories out of life’s moments both big and small.

Being a father was Michael’s greatest source of pride and purpose. He said, “Without my boys I would not be the man I am. I take pride in the responsibility of raising great young men… it is an honor.” He was protective, present, and endlessly proud of both of his sons. He often spoke of Kaleb’s kindness, openness, and for being the best big brother. He spoke of Michael’s (II) sweetness, his silliness, and for adoring his big brother. Michael loved nothing more than being home with his family. His boys are his greatest legacy; they brought so much joy to his life, and he cherished the privilege of being their father.

Michael adored his mother and never missed an opportunity to voice his appreciation for her. He would call her regularly just to chat, stop in for a visit, or ask her to make another cherry pie. He shared an especially close bond with his brother, Andrew; the two had a deep respect for one another and stayed connected through frequent conversations, shared humor, and a mutual commitment to keeping their families close. Michael was intentional about maintaining those ties that mattered most to him.

Beyond his immediate family, Michael shared especially close relationships with Jeff Harkcom (Deb, Jake, Jessie), Mike Razler, and Phil Staples, men he considered family in every sense of the word. These friendships were rooted in loyalty, trust, and years of shared life, and they held a deeply meaningful place in his heart.

The foundation of Michael’s strongest relationships was loyalty and conversation. He had no problem being the voice when someone needed him to speak up on their behalf. He loved talking sports and quoting funny movie lines, but he was equally drawn to deeper conversations about beliefs, ideas, politics, and how people thought and felt about the world. Curious by nature, Michael formed genuine connections through conversation and made people feel seen, heard, and understood.

Michael’s goal in life was simple: to live a happy, good life. He accomplished this through the family he and Alyssa built together, their move to the slower pace of the Eastern Shore where they built a home, the traditions they held dear (especially the annual family trips to the Outer Banks), and his enduring connection to family and friends. He worked hard at a job he was proud of at CHS, believing deeply in responsibility, providing for his family, and doing honest work.

Michael once shared what he had learned about life; words that reflected how he lived and what mattered most to him: regret is a waste of energy; work hard; be a good person; apologize when you’re wrong; tell people when you miss them and when you love them; make time for those who deserve it; family is key; life is short, and time waits for no one. Those who knew Michael are encouraged to carry these words forward, to live them fully, and to honor his memory by loving well, showing up, and making time for what truly matters. He will be so deeply missed, and always remembered for the way he loved his family and showed up for those who mattered most.