Nicholas David-Max Smyre

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of our beloved Nicholas David-Max Smyre, 23, of West Hanover Township. Nicholas went missing from our lives on September 29, 2021, and after 1,625 days of searching, he has been returned to us on March 12, 2026.

Born in Camp Hill, he was the son of Sherri A. Hoch-Maher (Michael) of West Hanover Township and Roger L. Smyre of Elizabethville. Nick attended Central Dauphin East High School and was a 2016 graduate of ELCO (Eastern Lebanon County) High School in Myerstown. He most recently worked as an Inventory Specialist at Michaels Craft Store on Jonestown Road in Harrisburg, where he enjoyed his work and those he worked with.

Nick has the kindest heart. He is sweet, caring, and always willing to help others. He has a witty sense of humor and a laugh that can still be heard-especially late at night when he would be up talking and laughing with friends, often carrying on through the house and bringing smiles to those around him. He loves a good debate when something catches his interest and stays true to himself in every way. Nick keeps a small circle, but he is incredibly loyal to those he loves. He also carries a well-known stubborn streak-something many would say he came by honestly-which often makes trying new things or stepping outside his comfort zone a challenge. Yet, that same stubbornness becomes a quiet determination-one that drives his curiosity and leads him to explore, create, and teach himself all manner of things. Whether it is gaming, computers, art, or music, Nick immerses himself fully, always learning, always curious. That is all part of what makes him…Nick.

Nick will be deeply missed by his loving mother and stepfather, Sherri and Michael Maher, with whom he resided; his father, Roger Smyre; his sister, Meagan Maher and her fiancé, Mike Sauline, of Harrisburg; his maternal grandparents, David and Sally Hoch of Herndon; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, George and Mary Smyre.

A Celebration of Nick's Life will be held on Sunday, May 17, 2026, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Wildwood Park, Olewine Pavilion, 100 Wildwood Way, Harrisburg. Arrangements are entrusted to the K.V. Knopp Funeral Home, Allentown. Family and friends are invited to come together to share memories, honor Nick, and celebrate the life he continues to hold in our hearts. This will be a relaxed and comfortable gathering-just being together, sharing memories, and celebrating Nick in a way that feels true to him.

In lieu of flowers, please consider honoring Nick's spirit by "paying it forward" whenever possible. If you feel so inclined, we encourage you to support or volunteer with local mental health awareness organizations, such as the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 2501 N. 3rd Street, 3rd Floor, Harrisburg, PA 17110.