Ryan Jayson Smith

Ryan Jayson Smith, age 16, of North East, passed away on Thursday, May 28, 2026. He was born April 26, 2010, in Erie to Christopher Michael Smith and Jessica Marie Smith.

Ryan was a Sophomore at North East High School, where he was a High Honor Roll student. He had a special talent for creating art and drawing, loved exploring nature, landscaping alongside his father, skateboarding, and being with his family and friends. Ryan also had a strong love for music and was a devoted son, brother, uncle, and family member who was always quick with a joke and never missed an opportunity to make his loved ones laugh. He will be truly missed by many.

Ryan was preceded in death by his sister, Avalynn Smith; great-grandparents, Harley Thompson, Stewart and Ruth Spangler, Earl (Buck) and Vivian Smith, Donald and Betty Rice; grandfather, Charles Smith; and a close family friend, Jayson Ryan Sack (namesake).

Besides his parents, Ryan is survived by his siblings, Christa (Hunter), Avery (Kaydy), Julianna, Liam, Christopher, and Myla; and his nephew, Hunter Jr., who he affectionately called “Baby Gunter.” Grandparents, Joni Thompson, Jeffrey and Pam Thompson, Jeff and Tammi Filutze, and Judy Smith. Great-grandparents, Marjorie Thompson, Alwin and Marian Pogue.

Friends may call at the William D. Elkin Funeral Home, 65 South Lake Street, North East, on Tuesday, June 2, 2026, from 3–7 PM, and are invited to attend funeral services on Wednesday at the First Baptist Church of North East, 43 South Lake Street, North East, at 11 AM with a meal to follow. Private burial will be at a future date. Please send condolences to elkinfh.com. Donations can be made to the funeral home in lieu of the family or to Highmark Caring Place at 510 Cranberry Street, Erie, PA 16507.

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