Michael K. Smith - Obituary

ichael Kenneth Smith of Frederick (Libertytown), Maryland, formerly of Edgewater, passed away Wednesday, January 10, 2024 at home from complications of Friedreich's Ataxia. Symptoms of the inherited disorder first troubled Mike in his twenties and gradually progressed. Born on September 6, 1970 in Silver Spring, MD, Mike's early childhood was spent in West Hyattsville where he participated in Boy Scouts, the Boys and Girls Club, and 4-H. When he was thirteen, his mother and brothers moved to his late grandparents' home in Selby-on-the-Bay, Edgewater, where he lived until 2008. He attended Anne Arundel County schools and earned his G.E.D., scoring high enough to be recognized by the Governor of Maryland. Mike loved watching NASCAR racing and the Washington Redskins, and enjoyed collecting memorabilia. He loved various types of music, ranging from rock groups of his parents' era, to hip-hop, country, and the classical music that settled his son Michael before bedtime when he was a toddler. Mike was able to attend several "Gathering of the Juggalos" events featuring Insane Clown Posse and other bands. He shared this interest with Michael and they were able to attend GOTJ events in Ohio together. While living in Frederick for the last 15 years, he always considered himself a Selby/Edgewater resident and stayed connected to his friends via Facebook. He tried to attend every milestone event in the lives of his long-term friends. He enjoyed spending time with his cousin Mike Riedmuller and wife Therese, who traveled long distances to include Mike in snow sports and camping that would otherwise have been out of reach for someone in a wheelchair. In his able years, he worked in construction and continued to share his expertise with relatives long after he could no longer perform the work. Mike is predeceased by his daughter, Kayla Marie Smith, and brother, Donovan Patrick Smith. He was the son of the late Richard Kenneth Smith and stepson of Thomas Rozzelle. He is survived by his sons, Tyler Aaron Sipes of Westminster and Michael Joseph Smith of Severna Park; mother, Susan Fallon; brother, Joseph Fallon Smith of Edgewater; and niece, Keeley Fallon Smith. Mike was also a grandfather through his son Tyler. Friends and family are invited to celebrate Mike’s life on Wednesday, January 17 from 2 to 4 pm and 6 to 8 pm at Kalas Funeral Home & Crematory, 2973 Solomons Island Road, Edgewater, MD 21037. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Friedreich's Ataxia Research Alliance (FARA) online at www.curefa.org, or by mail, 533 W. Uwchlan Ave, Downingtown, PA 19335.