Memories of a Gentle Giant

The following obituary/celebration of life was written by Joe Connolly.

Matt graduated in 1973. Forever, since the time he was born in Salinas, CA in September 1954, was he destined to be different and memorable. 

Many people in the San Jose and Campbell area knew him as the man who “waved” at everyone, near the corner of Campbell Avenue and San Tomas Aquino Road for years and also greeted everyone inside the Longs Drugs. 

Matt became really not different, but more like a “savant” always remembering everyone’s family connections and how old they were.

He passed away unexpectedly on Feb. 23 due to cancer, pneumonia and infections that his immune system could not fight off. His life was celebrated at St. Thomas of Canterbury Catholic Church on March 11 and many folks in the community spoke on his behalf at the service and are still contacting the family to express their memories of such a gentle giant.

The family asks that you remember Matt for his kindness and warmth and in lieu of flowers or any other offerings, we ask that you contact his younger brother Joe at this email address, jconnol21@earthlink.net, as Joe is riding the AidsLifecylce charity ride and is asking that all interested parties donate to this cause in memory of Matt.