Jeffrey A. Smay
September 12, 1953 ~ March 1, 2026
Born in:
Tarentum, PA
Resided in:
Wheeling, WV
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
My sympathy to his family on the loss of their beloved Jeff. I never had the opportunity to know Jeff but his love of God was well known. May he rest in peace.
Carol and Family our sympathy and prayers are with all of you.
The Fulmer Family
Sincere sympathy and prayers to Jeff’s loving family especially Fr. Smay who is so missed. God bless you during this difficult time.
Sincerest sympathy to all family members, especially Fr.Martin, who helped me through difficult times in the loss of my husband, and mother ,and illness of my brother.
I will continue to pray for your dad’s soul that he may rest in the arms of God and for comfort and peace for all family.
Extra prayers of thanksgiving for this man who by his devotion and faith has led his son Fr. Martin to the priesthood.
May God hold you all in the palms of his hands…🕯🌹📿🕊🕯
Dearest Smay Family ,
Sending prayers to each & every one of this amazing family. You lived down the street from my folks: Bob&RoseMary Donnelly. You all had a special place in their hearts. “True holiness consists of doing God’s will with a smile.” Mother Teresa
That was Jeff in all he did in his life.
Peace
So sorry for the loss of someone who was so obviously loved by so many and served so many. I will keep him and the family in my prayers. Veronica Staron
I wish to convey my condolences to the friends and family of Mr. Smay. Jeff Smay was a teacher of mine while I attended Madonna High School. I realize now that I certainly wasn’t a favorite student of Mr. Smay’s because, at the time, my goal was to transfer out of Madonna High School and into WEIR High School. Because of my parents, that never happened. I remember Mr. Smay as a very religious person and a very good educator. Mr. Smay married into a very good Catholic family. I’m sure Mr. Smay had a very good influence on a lot of students. I am fortunate to have him as one of my educators. May he rest in Peace.