Obituaries
Kyle Benjamin Smith, 14
June 30, 2025
It is with unimaginable sorrow that we share the passing of our beloved son, Kyle Benjamin Smith, on June 30, 2025, at the age of 14.
Kyle was born on February 15, 2011, to George (Richard) and Tanya Smith in Lancaster, PA and grew up with his big brother, Mason, surrounded by love, laughter and adventure. From day one, Kyle was a free spirit who marched to the beat of his own drum and embraced life to its fullest. His bright blue eyes always carried a twinkle of mischievousness; his quick-witted one liners would leave you in stitches, and his kindness and devotion to his friends and family were unparalleled.
If the only measure of a human’s life was time, 14 years would seem short, but when measured by the memorable moments captured through the thousands of photographs taken by his parents, Kyle embraced all of life’s adventures. From backpacking with llamas in Montana to riding the waves at the beach to skiing down black diamond slopes after just one lesson, his daredevil spirit was ever present and always testing the limits. Kyle was an avid animal lover, and we often called him the “animal whisperer” as he attracted strays wherever we went. He was devoted to his cat, Patches, and would spend hours just chilling next to her in his room. He was her special person.
Kyle also had a very competitive spirit when it came to board games. He was the best Pictionary partner, a shark when it came to Connect Four, and played countless hours of Trouble with his grandmother, Audrey, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease.
Kyle attended the Manheim Township Middle School and participated in the Manheim Township wrestling program from kindergarten through 8th grade. He also loved playing rec soccer for 4 years on Coach Justin Brandenburg’s “Wicked Tuna” team.
Though Kyle’s time with us was short, the impact of his life endures. He taught us to live each day to the fullest, to laugh often, to seek adventure and to always march to your own beat. His passing has left a gaping void not only within his immediate family, but in the lives of all of his friends and the Manheim Township community. His presence will be missed forever. If love from his family and friends alone could have saved him, Kyle would have lived forever.
Kyle is survived by his loving parents, George (Richard) and Tanya Smith; his big brother, Mason Smith; his devoted grandmother, Kathleen Austin; his aunts, Dina Shurley (Daniel), Kaylea Austin, Carol Elias (Richard), Lee McDermott (Brian), Larissa George (Jimmy); his uncles, Dwayne High (Chrissy), Frank Gibbs (Christina), and Joey Sulz (Kimberly); and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, George and Audrey Smith, John and Rose High, and Hobart Austin; as well as his uncle and namesake, Benjamin Austin.
Kyle would not have wanted a traditional funeral service, so we will be honoring his memory with a Celebration of Life from 3-4PM on Saturday, July 26, 2025, at Charles Snyder Funeral Home, 3110 Lititz Pike, Lititz, PA 17543. Friends and family are invited to visit the Smith Family from 1-3PM prior to his remembrance service. Additionally, everyone is invited to share their memories during the service and celebrate the beautiful life he lived.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Manheim Township Mat Club in Kyle’s honor. Donations may be mailed to MT Mat Club, 640 Frome Avenue, Lititz, PA 17543 or via Venmo @ManheimTwpMatClub.
Watch the tribute videoLeave a condolence on this Memorial Page
Condolences to the Family
July 27, 2025
my prayers go out to Kyle’s family, classmates, and close friends. Those who knew Kyle knew that he was always unapologetically himself, no matter the circumstances. He had his own way of adding his own touch of humor, no matter the day time or mood. Everybody who knew him like myself are infinitely fortunate to have had such a mood lifting, comedic relief, and true friend. Cecelia Botha
July 26, 2025
When I got up to speak, my emotions got the best of me. Here is what I wanted to say:
One of the great joys of coaching is the belief that, no matter how much or how little time you spend teaching kids, you’ll leave a positive impression on them. But the reality is that more often than not, they leave the impression on you—and that’s exactly what Kyle did.
The impression he left on me was his smile and his mischievous ways, especially when it came to harassing Mason. I also remember that even when he lost—although disappointed—he always had the ability to bounce back and return to being the funny, friendly kid he was. That’s the lasting impression he gave me: the strength to bounce back and stay true to who you are.
My thoughts and prayers are with Tanya, George, and Mason. May God bless them.
Coach Mathews
July 26, 2025
Our deepest prayers go out to Kyle’s family. Kyle was one of our close friends and he was always the life of the party. He was never afraid to truly express his humor. That’s something we will miss most about kyle, that he was always there for us no matter what but also not hesitant to make us laugh even when we’re down. We loved you till the last moments and we always will.
Delainey Bennett and Cecelia Botha
July 20, 2025
Being on staff in the 3-yr-old Caterpillar classroom at U-Gro, it was a special privilege to have Kyle and Mason as students. Both were inquisitive, intelligent, respectful and delightful kiddos! And mom and dad, you were great parents! My heart breaks for all of you but I have enjoyed seeing family pictures on FB and reading about the adventurous young man Kyle was. I can’t make it to the service but my thoughts and prayers are with you. Miss Dorthy
July 16, 2025
My condolences go out to all of Kyle’s family and friends. Kyle and I were in the same homeroom this year and he was always such a bright light. He always had a smile on his face that would light up any room. Although Kyle and I weren’t close, he had such a positive impact on everybody surrounding him. Sending prayers,
Ava Romero
July 13, 2025
Kyle, your love of animals was evident from such a young age. I had the privilege to be in the front row of such an amazing human. I was there when you challenged me & Audrey to a game of your choosing. I will always keep moments like those so dear. I LOVE the SMITH family in every shape and in every form. I was drawn to you for a reason when you reached out for help. Every part of my being is mourning with you. ❤️
Katherine Hankin
July 10, 2025
Tanya and Richard, my condolences to you and your family. My heart cries for you right now but you have my hugs and prayers🙏🏽🙏🏽
jeanette mcsween
July 10, 2025
I’m so sorry about your loss .I can’t imagine what you are going through.Thoughts and prayers for you and the family .Love you
Lori Lamoreaux Hazlak
July 10, 2025
Dear Smith Family,
I can still picture Kyle, with his bright, inquisitive eyes, sitting on the together time carpet, eager to find out what would be in store for the day in the U-GRO Monkey classroom. 🐒 Although 10 years have passed since I had the pleasure to have Kyle in my classroom, my love and fondness for him has never dwindled. Kyle, you will forever and always be remembered for being the wonderful boy that you were, and the handsome young man you grew to be. May your family find peace as time passes.
With Love,
Miss Cathy
U-GRO Monkey teacher
July 09, 2025
Tonya and Richard
So sorry for your loss Sharyn and I send our condolences to you and your family. Chico Frank Ardiere
July 09, 2025
Tanya, George, and Mason, our hearts are shattered. As much pain and sadness we are all feeling, we know it doesn’t even compare to the immense loss your family is feeling right now. We love you all and will eternally miss Kyle and his amazing personality. He has a very sad friend in Florida who is going to miss him immensely. Lisa Burke
July 09, 2025
My deepest condolences to Kyle’s family and friends. I truly enjoyed Kyle’s sarcasm and sense of humor in math class. He was a kind, respectful, and intelligent kid. This news shocks and saddens me to my core. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Amanda Spina
- Visitation
- Saturday, July 26, 2025
- 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions > - Services
- Saturday, July 26, 2025
- 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
- Charles F. Snyder Funeral Home & Crematory
- 3110 Lititz Pike
- Lititz, PA 17543
- Map and Directions
-
Get Maps and Directions >
