Obituary of Matthew Alan Smith

Matthew Alan Smith, 48, of Cameron, NY unexpectedly passed on April 23, 2021 at home while fighting a battle with Covid-19. The son of Dennis L Smith (deceased) and Mary C Smith and sibling to Rebecca (Smith) Guinnip, born on September 7, 1972 at St. James Hospital in Hornell, NY. He is survived by his wife Harmony L Smith, Cameron, NY, son Justin Manley-Smith and son/family member George Wolfe III of Montoursville, PA, and mother Mary C Smith, Jasper, NY, In-laws Robert & Melody Manley Cameron, NY, sister Rebecca (Shawn) Guinnip Hedgesville, NY, sister in-law Tara (Manley) McGregor and niece Megan McGregor, Cameron, NY, nephew Shane (Leah) Guinnip and great niece Jade Guinnip, Jasper, NY, (close in age) uncle Lyn Oles Greenwood, NY, followed by many wonderful aunts, uncles, cousins, and he held a special place in his heart with special cousins such as Darrin and Jon and lots of time with his Uncle Lyn. Matthew was a graduate from Jasper-Troupsburg CSD, but also attended Addison CSD. At each school district he was an exceptional athlete who participated in many sports while earning several titles and awards. He excelled at one particular sport that he was very passionate about and that was wrestling. Mathew started out at the youth level for TAWC, moving up throughout the years continued wrestling between Addison and Jasper-Troupsburg and earned many wins, awards, and championship titles. As a young adult he tried his hand at football and played for the Hornell Dragons semi-pro football team. Having no prior experience he took on his position as a defensive tackle. He became such an integral part of the team and it earned him a role on the All Star Team in Southern Michigan, and from there he was chosen by NFL Scouts to try out as a walk on for the Seattle Seahawks. However, while attending an old timers wrestling match for young adults he sustained and untimely arm injury that hindered him during the tryout of the opportunity of beginning an NFL career. Matthew was a man who enjoyed so many things and put so much passion into each and every one he had interest in. His interests included skiing, snowboarding, bull riding, traveling, go-karting, dirt track racing (owning 2 modified cars), fishing, kayaking, and many, many more. Above all his love for snowmobiling developed more and more in the past couple years so much that he became President of the TenTowns Snowmobile Club which he loved and talked about constantly. Not only did he love playing football, he was an avid fan of professional football and hockey for his teams in NY, the Buffalo Bills and the Buffalo Sabres and had made trips to games throughout the years of many attended with family and friends and his beloved wife Harmony. At a young age growing up he became an avid traveler and loved going on trips with his parents and family across the country and thus created his love for the open road. As his passion for driving became bigger he owned and operated two semi trucks in which he hauled cattle for Todd DuVall and brand new trailers for for Morgan Drive Away. He often was accompanied by his wife and life partner Harmony on many short and long trips in which they made many great memories. Over time and many miles on the road he became her “Randy McNally” and no longer needed an atlas for he was a “living roadmap” and one hell of a great truck driver. In 2001 he was hired at Corning Glass and started as a janitor. While putting in more time and years he got promoted and worked in many departments throughout Corning Incorporated. On the home stretch of his last 10 years before retiring he was promoted to radioactive dye quality checker at the IDM facility in Painted Post, NY. Matthew worked with many great people and enjoyed doing his job that helped provide for his family and gave him much time to enjoy his other hobbies. He had great plans for the future and within his last 10 years of retirement purchased a fishing boat in hopes to start the beginning of his own charter business because of the love he had for fishing and making connections with others who had a passion for all types of fishing. On July 6 of 2002 he married the love of his life, Harmony Smith in Cameron, NY. They had a fantastic wedding and spent 35 beautiful years together raising their only son Justin. While raising their son, Mathew was able to share his love for traveling, athletics, and animals, (dogs and many cats), with him as Justin grew up and became a great young man who excelled in athletics and the arts. He loved each and every one of his pets over the years and although he always said no, he always had room for one more kitty. Matthew opened his home to many over the years. He would give you the shirt of his back if you needed it because it made him happy. It didn’t matter wherever he went or whatever he did he made new friends. It didn’t seem to matter where he went he always ran into someone he knew. Matthew was a talker and any conversation could turn from a “hey, how are ya?’, to a half hour conversation in a split second. Everyone knew him for being stubborn, bullheaded, and very vocal. He believed in what he believed in and he wasn’t afraid to make you aware of where he stood because of his outstanding confidence. That said he was a big man with bigger than life personality and a charmer with a heart of gold. He lit up the room with his presence and anyone who go to know him loved him. Matthew was a man of many words, always the life of the party, and above all such a jokester. He enjoyed so many things with all of his friends an family over the years. But in the last couple years, a special bond had developed in the many adventures and memories that were created with Josh & Amber Watson and their boys who became family to him. Overall his life was worth more than gold and his memories that he created will last a lifetime. Matthew you are loved in more ways than we can describe and you will be missed more than you can imagine. You are one hell of a man, there is no replacement for the place you hold in our hearts. May you forever enjoy all your hobbies and pastimes up in heaven until we meet you again. We love you so much Matt! You will NEVER be Forgotten! There will be no funeral services as honored per his request. Harmony and family will be hosting a Celebration of life at a later date that is TBD. Thank you everyone for all of your love and support! Arrangements are with the H.P. Smith & Son Funeral Home.