Michael Smith, beloved owner of Smitty’s Steaks and graduate of Bloomsburg University, passed away in his home on Dec. 19, 2018. He was 49 years old.

In a Facebook post on Dec. 20, Smith’s sister, Suellen Smith Lewis, wrote: “this is the hardest post I…have ever had to write,” stating that Smith passed away of natural causes.

Smith and his establishment were beloved by both BU students and Bloomsburg residents.

Longtime Bloomsburg resident Foster W. Krupp says that while he didn’t frequent the restaurant as much as others, he always thoroughly enjoyed the food and service. “It is very sad to see them gone.”

Eric Traupman, another Bloomsburg native and a self-proclaimed Smitty’s regular, says he feels deeply saddened by Smith’s passing. “I lost a way of life when that man died,” he says.

In her post on Dec. 20, Smith Lewis said: “There are many lessons to be learned from this, but I think the most important is NEVER judge another…you simply cannot know what he or she is going through.”

The staff of The Voice extends its condolences to Smith’s family and friends and thank him for all he did for us. He will be dearly missed.