Matthew ‘Smatty’ Scinto, 74

After a courageous battle with cancer, Matthew “Smatty” Scinto returned to his Heavenly Father on December 14, 2025.  

Smatty was born on May 8, 1949, in Bridgeport, Connecticut, to Frank and Ethyl Scinto. 

After graduating from high school and college, his adventurous spirit led him to work for Marriott Hotels, a career that took him to many places and experiences. His travels eventually brought him west, with time spent exploring Alaska before finally landing in Whitefish, Montana, a place he would proudly call home.

In 1979, Smatty began working on the railroad in Whitefish as part of the track crew. Though the railroad provided steady work, it was clear his personality was better suited behind the bar. He became a well-known and well-loved bartender at Pastime, the Old Casey’s, and other Whitefish locations and events. Known for his quick wit and easy charm, Smatty made friends wherever he went. Over the years, he also built a successful carpet-laying and snow-plowing business, never afraid of hard work.

Those who knew Smatty understood that beneath his rough exterior lived a big, soft heart and a deep, devoted Catholic faith. He was actively involved with St. Charles and St. Richard’s parishes, the Knights of Columbus, and its charitable works.

Smatty was happiest outdoors and on the open road, often spotted riding his BMW motorcycle in Hawaiian shirts and chaps, his long hair and signature mustache blowing in the wind, topped off with his mischievous grin. He loved firewood cutting, skiing, rafting, hiking, hunting, and any adventure that kept him outside.

He also built a large and diverse chosen family that included his church community, motorcycle friends, rafting aficionados, hiking partners, ski cronies, barstool racing sidekicks, and countless barroom buddies. If you were lucky enough to be called his friend, you knew it.

Above all else, Smatty’s greatest devotion was to his family. His sister Jackie was his steady anchor and constant support, always by his side; from doctor appointments to moments when moral support was most needed. His niece Jenn and goddaughter Gennavieve were among his most cherished loved ones.

Smatty was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Ethyl Scinto; his adopted parents Ross and Gen Armstrong; his sister Lynne and brother Harry; and his niece Val.

He is survived by his sister Jackie Gray (Dennis, Gennavieve); his niece Jenn Sullivan (John and family); Val’s partner Valerie Kibler; and countless friends, too many to name, but each deeply treasured. You know who you are.

A Catholic Mass will be held Jan. 2, 2026 at 11 a.m. at Saint Richard Catholic Church in Columbia Falls, following will be a Celebration of Life at  2 p.m. at the VFW in Whitefish . 

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to the Ronald McDonald House/Room at Logan Health Hospital in Kalispell.