Smith, Matthew Robert, 61, passed away suddenly at home in Orange on April 27, 2017. He is survived by his daughters, Danielle and son-in-law John, and Abigail of Philadelphia; his wife Brenda Smith, son Michael and step-daughter Gabrielle in Orange. He was 4th of 7 children of E. Eugene and Joan Smith. He is preceded into heaven by his mother (2010) and older brother Timothy (2013). He is survived by his father and will be missed beyond words by his siblings, Teresa (Tita), Fr. Christopher, Thaddeus, Maria and Monica, as well as numerous nephews and nieces, cousins and lifelong friends. Matthew graduated from Holy Family School, Mater Dei High School and Cal State Fullerton, B.A. Political Science. He had a passion for public discourse surrounding civil liberties, foreign policy, criminal justice and social-political events of the day. He was particularly interested in the movers and shakers involved in positive change; those who defied the odds and influenced society in significant ways, like Jackie Robinson, MLK and Henry Kissinger. Matthew was an outstanding athlete, known for his agility and grace on any field but excelled as a "lefty" in baseball at Orange Little League, Holy Family and MDHS. But in daily life, he was right handed! Through sports he made many lifelong friends who grieve his passing. He was a devoted fan of the LA Dodgers, refusing to convert to an Angel fan with the rest of the Smiths, and rarely missed a Dodger broadcast. Matt and son Michael delighted in attending the recent Jackie Robinson Memorial Dodger game. Matt worked tirelessly for years alongside Dad and sibs in the family fruit stand, Smith's Farm Fresh Market on Lincoln in Orange. For years Matthew drove to the LA Produce Market in the middle of the night to get the day's produce. He became expert in fresh produce of all types from all over the world. For countless summers, Dad commissioned Matt to provide the Orange County Fair with all of its produce, specializing, literally, in tons of corn and potatoes. His work ethic in all settings was stellar; it was rare for him to take time off. Matthew was a handsome, gentle, soft spoken and loving man with a deep faith, who gave every one the benefit of the doubt. He loved jazz music especially with saxophone. He had a lightening quick wit, delight for softly cracking jokes and puns, and a photographic memory for numbers and sports statistics. He was thoughtful, humble and kind; always putting the needs of others before his own. Matthew rarely missed a Dodger game broadcast. When Vin Scully signed off saying "Goodnight Everybody", without fail, Matthew quickly responded, "Goodnight, Vinny". We now say, "Goodnight, Matty. Be at peace." Services will be at Christ Cathedral, 13280 Chapman, Garden Grove, CA 92840 including Friday, May 5th a Wake from 5-8pm in the Cultural Center; Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, May 6th at 9:30am in the Arboretum with Burial to follow at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery in Orange. Donations in memory of Matthew Smith may be made to Orange Little League 323 N. Elm Street, Orange, CA 92868. - See more at: http://obits.ocregister.com/obituaries/orangecounty/obituary.aspx?n=matthew-robert-smith&pid=185289627&fhid=9249&eid=sp_ommatch&eid=sp_ommatch#sthash.1Hc9ex9K.dpuf