Matthew T. Smiley

Matthew T. Smiley, age 69, of Hilliard, Ohio passed peacefully at home surrounded by his family on January 26, 2022 after struggling for many years with frontotemporal dementia.

Matt was born in Columbus, Ohio to the late Alden and Joan Smiley. He graduated from Grandview Heights High School (‘70) and earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Zoology from The Ohio State University (‘74). Matt was employed by F&R Lazarus in the downtown cash office and advanced to being the manager of Lazarus Homestore East. In 1980, he began a career with the State of Ohio Department of Jobs and Family Services in order to spend more time with his family. During his career at ODJFS he was a financial auditor, helped to establish HMOs, and managed the budgeting of foster care. Matt retired from ODJFS in 2010. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Alden & Joan Smiley and brother Alden “Bus” Smiley, Jr. 

Matt is survived by Melody, his high school sweetheart, after nearly 47 years of marriage. Also survived by their children Jason (Gail) Smiley, Autumn Smiley, Amber (James) Cox, Luke Smiley, Logan Smiley, Madison Smiley and sister Lynn (Mike) Kolch, brother Scott (Sara) Smiley, and sister-in-law Lek Smiley. 

Matt lived for his family. Having six children, his time was spent attending sporting events, concerts, plays, scouting, and chaperoning school functions. He was a volunteer baseball and softball coach, including 25+ years of service to the Hilliard Girls Softball Association. He treasured family vacations including camping, Disney, and the family favorite North Myrtle Beach. Matt enjoyed home improvement projects such as designing and building the family deck. He was always active in his neighborhood civic associations. Matt was an avid card player and enjoyed many family game nights. As an alumnus, he enjoyed cheering on the Buckeyes. Matt did not like to be the center of attention, but had a sense of humor appreciated by friends of all ages. 

A private service was held and a public Celebration of Life for family and friends will be announced at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations in Matt’s name supporting frontotemporal dementia research at the OSU Foundation (OSU Medical Center Development, 660 Ackerman Rd. PO Box 183112, Columbus, Ohio 43218, Fund Number 302185 or on-line: www.giveto.osu.edu/makeagift/OnlineGivingDonation.aspx?Source_Code=IN&Fund=302185), or Capital City Hospice (The Hope Foundation, 2800 Corporate Exchange Drive Suite 170 Columbus, Ohio 43231, www.capitalcityhospice.com/donate/ in honor of his wonderful doctors and caregivers.

The Tidd Family Funeral Home & Crematory, 5265 Norwich St., Hilliard, OH 43026 (614)-876-1722, assisted the family.  Please visit www.tiddfuneralservice.com to share your favorite memories and to send your condolences to the Smiley Family.