Jeffrey A. Smay

Jeffrey A Smay of Wheeling, WV, passed away of heart failure at the age of 72 on March 1, 2026 at home in Wheeling, WV. He was born September 12, 1953 in Tarentum, PA to the late Clare G. “Swifty” and Ann (Poleski) Smay. He was a member of Corpus Christi Catholic Church in Wheeling, WV.

He is survived by his wife of 48 years Carole (Przybysz) Smay and his six children: Jeff Jr (Teresa) of Yuma, AZ, Steve (Nicole) of Tewksbury, MA, Andrew (Katrina) of Martins Ferry, OH, Rachel (Ryan) Allchin of Middleburg, FL, Fr. Martin of Huntington, WV, and Austin (fiancée Julianna Perkowski, to be wedded June 27, 2026) of Kearneysville, WV and 19 grandchildren. He is also survived by his brother Jerry (Kathy) Smay of Munhall, PA and his sister Sharon (Jim) Thompson of South Park, PA.

His love for Jesus Christ and the Catholic Church directed his life. He taught his children the love of God and the value of work and responsibility. He was an unwavering advocate for the sanctity and humanity of the unborn.

In high school and college Jeff competed as an all‑around gymnast. He received a full‑ride gymnastic scholarship to WVU, where he was a four‑year varsity letterman. He enjoyed reading and writing.

He joyfully dedicated his life to educating youth. He taught full‑time in Catholic schools for 38 years. Even in retirement, he found joy in returning to the classroom as a substitute teacher up until the time of his illness. He started his teaching career at Weirton Madonna High School, continued at Clarksburg Notre Dame High School, St. Ann’s Grade School Bronx, NY (while attending graduate school at Fordham University), St. Vincent–St. Mary High School in Akron, Ohio, Central Catholic High School in Wheeling, and substituted extensively at Bishop Donahue High School until its closure. Over the years, he organized, worked, and led dozens of retreats: Antiochs, TECs, Bread for the Journey, Confirmation retreats, eighth‑grade retreats, parish retreats, and more. His joy was helping young people understand God’s love and plan for their lives and teaching them how to live a virtuous Christian life through their identity as sons and daughters of God.

Jeff’s family wishes to express their deep gratitude to Valley Hospice for their generous support over the last 4 months, especially Courtney and Angie.

Friends will be received on Sunday, March 8, 2026 from 2:00 to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM at Altmeyer Funeral Home Wheeling Chapel on Eoff Street. Vigil services will be held at 8:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, March 9 at 11 AM at Corpus Christi Church with Fr. Martin J. Smay officiating. Burial will follow at Mount Calvary Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, Jeff requested that donations be made to Corpus Christi School, Wheeling Central Catholic High School or Valley Hospice.

Share tributes with his www.grecohertnick.com