Friends, this memory book is a place for us to share our memories and our love for Matthew. Please enter your message below and it will be posted to this page. If you'd like to include a photo, email it to Wendy.
My sympathy to Matthew's wife and family. He was a wonderful person and my son & I will miss him. It was always great to see him - with his colorful sneakers and shirts! We will miss him, his sense of humor, and his music. Love and prayers to you.
Evelyn
I am at such a loss, I guess we all are. Although it has been many, many years since I have lived in Newport. My memories would be incomplete if I were not to mention Matt. He made a killer martini. It was a pleasure to know him.
Kristin
I can't remember the first time I met Matthew. It seems like I've known him forever. But it was about 15 years ago and I'm quite sure it was in - you guessed it - a bar, most likely the Red Parrot.
I've heard Matthew play the piano hundreds of times, and my appreciation and awe of his amazing talent has never diminished.
One of my most cherished memories is a performance we did at Portsmouth Middle School to benefit the Women's Resource Center. It was called an Evening of Disney Music and we performed songs from all of the classic Disney movies. Matthew was our Musical Director, Billy Weston graced us with his brilliance and Richard Haddocks gave Disney some serious groove. It was a magical evening and the house was packed. We raised about $4,000 for a program benefiting children who witness domestic violence. Matthew never said no to an opportunity to share the wonder of music with children.My son took some video at last year's Nutmeg and Mistletoe and I've posted it on YouTube. Unfortunately you can't see Matthew's standard Christmas attire - one red and one green sneaker. The song, "Just a Lonely Christmas" has certainly taken on new meaning now. I'll miss you so much, Matthew. I'll miss your out-of-the-blue phone calls, your devilish grin, your fun-loving spirit and the beautiful gift of music that you gave to us all.
To Kia, Mark, Charlie and all of Matthew's family, my heart is breaking for you. There are no words to express how very sorry I am.
With love,
Wendy
I was devastated to hear of Matt's passing. He was and will always be a source of inspiration both as a musician and human being. He had humor in abundance and a great intellect. Every time I came home to Newport I tried to catch a set of his somewhere and he always sat down with me and we'd have a laugh about old times. I will miss him greatly and my heart felt sympathy goes out to his family and many friends.
Sadly- Jimmy Friedman
What a tragic loss. Matt was a really wonderful person. You are all in my thoughts.
Andy Shaw
The last time I saw Matt was two weeks ago at Castle Hill Inn, where I love to go for a Sunday "Mary." As I walked into the Inn, the sounds of the "Charlie Brown Theme" wafted across the lobby. Matt and I chatted and laughed and he asked about how the List Academy of Music was doing, as he always did. On Monday afternoon, May 14, as Matt rested in the IC unit of RI Hospital, I entered the List Academy only to hear the strains of the "Charlie Brown Theme" wafting through our lobby from one of the classrooms. It was one of our piano students practicing for our 10th annual Spring Recital this Sunday. I knew there had to be a way to keep Matt alive through the music ... to carry on his legacy through young students.
So the Board of Directors and the Staff of List Academy of Music & Arts would like to announce the establishment of the "Matthew Quinn Memorial Scholarship Fund," which will offer not only financial need scholarships, but also merit scholarships for outstanding music students. We will announce the fund at our recital at the Hyatt on Sunday afternoon. We are also dedicating a full page in the recital program to Matt's memory. To Kia and the family, if you have any input as to specific nature of how the scholarship fund will function, please let us know. We feel good knowing that Matt's name will inspire young talented musicians into the future. Our hearts are with you all.
Dash
To all the Quinns.
From Gibbs Av. to Falls Church to Brewer st. and beyond, the memories are etched in my heart and mind, as I know they are in yours'. I'm glad we got to be cousins and buddies. I know we'll meet again, in a better place.
Love, from all the Carrs
I did not know Matt well. He gave me some piano lessons over the years. The last time I was in Newport was this past New Years Eve. I brought my girlfriend to Asterix hoping we could hear him play because I wanted my girlfriend to experience the best atmosphere Newport has to offer. Unfortunately, he wasn't playing there that night. Whenever I was around him, I felt great. This is a huge loss for the Newport Community. I was shocked to hear of his passing. To say that Matt was a musical genius would be to put it mildly. He was simply the best. But he also had presence, swagger, and he made people feel good.
Dominic Hook
My dearest, closest friend ... you held a special place in my heart and life for well over 30 yrs. I am so profoundly devastated at your passing and regretful for not ever having told you just how much you meant to me when I had the chance.
I'll miss your sweet smile, your tender words, your generous demeanor, your quirky sense of humor and unique sense of "style" that set you apart from the rest of the crowd. Through the laughter and the tears, the ups and downs, the good times and the bad you were always loyal, caring and supportive. I admired you for so very many reasons but mostly because you were so immensely talented and such a beautiful soul with so much to offer everyone whose path was lucky enough to have crossed with yours.
I truly hope you find peace and tranquility on the other side. You touched so many lives here in so many ways, forgotten is one thing your memory will never be to any of us who knew you and loved you. I'll miss you dearly and you'll be in my heart and thoughts forever.
Sharon
My heart is filled with sorrow for all of you. I only met Matt a few times when he performed with my friend, Kelley Lennon. But the first time I met Matt he was very warm, sincere and full of life. When I heard of his passing I was as shocked and saddened as everyone. I can only hope that the wonderful light that Matt was will continue to burn for all of you forever.
Please accept my most sincere sympathy.
God bless you,
David DiLorenzo
I love you Matthew. And I'll take care of Kia, so no worries. Not the same as you, but a solid second.
Monica Larson Levine
To the Quinn Family,
I was so very saddened to hear about the loss of Matt. He was not only a great talent, but a wonderful human being as well. He was one of several who selflessly gave musical inspiration to me, among many many others, and I can't ever thank him enough. His inspiration and music will live on forever.
I lost my brother and closest friend George in September 2006 ... and I just had to go back to his (my brother's) memorial website to read Matt's sympathetic and inspiring message directed to the Lewis family.
Although our families have separated (only) by distance through the years, that simple, but heartfelt message from Matt proved to all of us how he kept our friendships and love close to him through time.
Matt's music.... and Matt's spirit... always came from the heart. My thoughts and prayers are with the Quinn family.
With love and utmost sympathy,
PJ Lewis
My deepest sympathy to all the members of Matt's family.
Matt was a musicians musician and EARNED the respect he had from those of us who were lucky enough to enjoy the bonds one develops by playing music together. He was so good, so soulful, so joyous about making good music.
He was kind and funny and he helped me a great deal when I first moved to Newport and introduced me to the musical community here.
Matt was a man of emotion and style and love of something that touched many many people and I am fortunate to have been one of many.
Ray Davis
To Matt's Family,
My family and I are greatly saddened to hear of Matt's passing and extend our deepest sympathies. It is a great loss. Matt and I went to Rogers together, hung out in the music department there, and were good friends for many years. He was a fantastic musician and wonderful person, fun and caring and generous. One year, he got his band to play for my sister's wedding at the "friend's" rate - she had the best wedding band ever! I'm certain that I'm not alone when I say that I will miss him greatly but at the same time, I am very happy that I knew him. He was a remarkable person.
Cathy Wilson-Smith
I am sorry for your loss. My family and I attended an event for my Grandmother at Briarwood Nursing home last month where he played with Dick Lupino. It was nice to see him and catch up from the Cafe Zelda day's in Newport when he played worked there.
Jenny
To the Quinn Family, Please accept my deepest sympathy. I knew of Matt, when he played with my cousins (Tavares), But this past year I had the opportunity and honor to work with Matt, when we went to Sal, Cape Verde to perform at the Festival. Matt was committed to his art of music. I will never forget that time or him.
God bless, Viola Pina
Matt, A special place in my heart is for you & KIa. You have no idea how you touched me with your talent & that eclectic genius you displayed. I will miss playing drums with you, but most of all I will miss you not being here. I will think of you always.
Forever,
Bill Andrews
I met Matt many years ago, at the "old" Ocean Cliff ... someone else mentioned the "Charlie Brown theme". Most certainly, I must have heard him play that at 1000 Sunday brunches back in the 80's & early 90's!!!
Over the years, I would run into Matt at various functions, & he always remembered my name, had a warm smile, a nice word & a big hug. He was a wonderful human being & an asset to Newport & the muscial community. He will be sadly missed by so many people, in so many ways.
I'm so sorry for your loss.
Rebecca
Thank you Matthew for that I got a chance to know you.
Carola Ekman
To the Quinn family.
Our heart goes out to your family at this time. Charlie blessed and amazed us all by his proud stories of Matthews life. He will live in our heart and minds with his music forever.
If there is anything we may do from Florida just ask.Paul & Cathy Mc Peak
The news of Matthew's death was a terrible shock to all of us. We share your grief. My wife, Barbi and I shared many wonderful moments with Matthew. Matthew was a dear friend to us and leaves a gap that can never be filled. His humor, his insight, his musical talent were rare and wonderful qualities that we loved and learned from.
It has been several years since Matthew and I have seen each other. I have been living in Michigan for the past twenty years and our paths have not crossed. We would catch up on things over a phone call every year.
I first met Matthew our Freshman year at Berklee College of Music in Boston in the Fall of 1976. We both lived in the dorms and had many classes together. Matthew's roommate, Dan Bowden, was another close friend in our new circle of classmates. Matthew immediately gave me the nickname "SCURVY DOG"! Dan was nicknamed "BOWDAN" and we called Matthew, "Q". I played the stand up bass, Bowdan played guitar and Q played the piano so marvelously. We played jazz to no end. That was a wonderful time in my life and Q was a BIG part of it.
Q would get us gigs around Boston and Newport. We had a trio with another Berklee student, Bert Laszlo, who was a phenomenal drummer from Helsinki, Finland. We would pile into my big old ugly green Ford station wagon with our instruments and drive to Newport to play gigs. We worked quite a bit at the Viking Hotel backing a singer.
Q would always get us great gigs. For a couple of years we were the house band for parties at The Fox Club at Harvard University.
I can still hear Q's voice, like it was yesterday, yell across Massachusetts Avenue in Boston, while I would walk carrying my bass thirty years ago... "Hey Ya Scurvy Dog!"
With love and sympathy,
Gregory G. Morrison
" Scurv "
Mr. and Mrs. Quinn, Kia, I too am saddened by this incredible loss. Please accept my deepest sympathy.
TO FOREVER
My husband and I will always remember you Matt Quinn
At the keys of Headmaster Dave Burnham’s black grand piano
On Dec 2, 1984, my wedding day.
“For All We Know” was one of the songs you played
As you sat in the large living room in your simple dark suit and white tie-less shirt
Your handsome presence surrounded by hundreds of red poinsettia’s and mistletoe
You sure put some bounce into that room
A room filled with our bewildered family members and friends
The Massachusetts French Canadian/Irish Catholics sitting on one side
With their legs tightly crossed, finally loosened up after a little champagne and Ellington
And on the other side dark skinned Georgia women, all sizes
Gorgeous mongrels flirting with you
Women Who Run with the Wolves wearing outrageous hats
Sprayed themselves with Taboo perfume, as you played Moon Dance
Thank you Matthew
Your jazzy wedding march touched each of our family members and echoed over the Moses Brown School football field like they’d never heard it before and never will again
You made this part of our lives “Unforgettable”
Thank you
For your energy and dexterity that snowy night in 1993 on Trinity Rep’s stage
I was in rehearsal for Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grille during the day and was tired And John Worsley produced, MC’d and narrated a concert for us that night during a major Nor’easter. With you on keyboards, we raised the rafters in that packed theatre...me, you, Alan Dawson on drums, Art Pelosi on Sax, Bob Petteruti on Bass, Gray Sargeant on guitar, and Paul the trumpet player who became a lawyer on trumpet
It was a magical evening like most of our gigs and concerts together.
Standing ovations!
My husband and I are grateful that we have memories of you in our lives
To Forever
Rose Weaver and Fran LaMountain, Los Angeles
Hey Brother Matt, Can't believe you're gone.
I was just reminiscing about all the years we spent performing for our friends and fans throughout Newport and around the world and a thought just struck me? You haven't really left us, you've just joined another band / orchestra!
I will miss your childish repartee and impatience, like a kid who was way ahead of the other kids in class and would want them to move on to the next subject, cause you were done... LOL I used to have to tell you to slow down and let us catch up Ha hah ah ha. I miss you ICE STATION ZEEBRATo your Brothers, the rest of the Family and Kia, No words can ease your pain at this time of sorrow, and being one who also lost the love of my life recently. Can only share in your pain. No words can stop the hurt! Only time itself, the great memories and the Love of others will heal those wounds. As I once heard my Pastor say "That DASH - that was Matt's life was Awesome and Fulfilling"
"Enjoy the Sunsets! That's the way Our Angels smile at us"
Tiny Tavares
The first Jazz Concert I produced in Newport was in 1999 at the old Doubletree Hotel featuring the Yellow Jackets. I hired Matt to play for Rose Weaver, the opening act. He was sensational as usual. He was a real character with tremendous talent. An Exceptional Entertainer. He had a style of his own and he will be greatly missed.
Charles Roberts & Margaret Baker
First Night Newport
My friend Cheryl and I first met Matt at Castle Hill in 1999 and were captivated by his playing and fun personality! We spent the whole day listening to him right into the evening at Asterix! We always said we were going to hook up and do some jamming after each time we'd see him in Newport, but never got around to it. Matt will be missed and Newport will never be the same without him. My heart and prayers are with his entire family and fellow musicians.
Lysa Davis
To Kia and Quinn family,
Our sincerest regret to you all and know that we are here for you. May God's peace embrace you in these times and usher your steps in a quiet way.
Matt and I had some very special times together. His ability to transform an environment with his spirit and musicianship was one of his many unique qualities as a person. His sense of humanity was a big part of his charm.
He really did love people and did his best to make you feel important. I will miss our times on the wine vineyard gigs, our twisted sense of humor that we found we had in common, but most of all the conversations about life,love and family and the belief that music and art play such an important role in helping to make this world a more bearable place to live. I know that I am not alone in missing this wonderful brother to us all and if we gain anything from his passing, let it be that our presence in the world is to leave an imprint of our being here at all, and to stamp a sense of striving for the best in us in the hearts of those we touch on our journey. Matt has done that and so much more. You are already being missed my friend. Your musical spirit lives on in all who had the pleasure to know you.
Lovingly, Armsted Christian and family
Although I left the music industry as a profession many years ago, I still sing occasionally. Matt never failed to ask me to sit in when he saw me, a courtesy whose grace was a great blessing to me. He always understood immediately what music meant to people, sort of intuited it, I think. I adored his snappy wit and off-kilter humor. The way he managed to insert that in his music now and then was nothing short of genius.
There was never a time I heard Matt play that I wasn't knocked out by his talent. He always greeted me with a hug and a smile, and I respected and admired him deeply. It is very difficult to speak of him in the past tense. I am retired from Nursing and well understand the course of events that took Matts' life, but it still shocks...I cannot make sense of the insensible. To have survived cancer, doing all the benefits for the Cancer Society he did ( as well as many other causes), finding the love of his life in Kia and being so happy...it just seems terribly wrong that he is gone so inexplicably soon, and that is the best way I can articulate it.I suppose all of us will eternally associate certain places with Matt, like A&O, where he held court. :) Castle Hill...I don't know when I will be able to even go there again, because I will always see Matt sitting there behind the keyboard, smiling.
We had talked about Matt arranging and playing for a CD for me at some point in the future; I am heartbroken I did not act on that opportunity sooner because now that chance to soar with Matt is gone forever.
We never truly know how our life affects those around us; Matt's sudden passing has an acute impact on so many people that will be felt for a long, long time to come.
This was a man who gave so much to so many through music, and even in his passing, he gives us yet another gift: to be mindful of the fragility of Life. Virgil said " Death plucked my ear and said " Live !! I am coming..." and in a very literal way, Matt has plucked all our ears, our hearts.
I will never forget you, dearest, sweet, gifted, funny Matt.
My deepest condolences to his lovely wife Kia and to his family. We all share this bewildering loss with you.Susi Franco
God Bless you all as you go through this trying time. I'm sure Matt will be missed by many.......
DonnaLynn
My fond memories always keep you close.
Antoinette Lomba
Reading "... his boyish charm and ever-mischievous spirit ..." it's good to know that after so many years, Matt never changed. I remember him also as a patient listener and a wise friend. As sad as this news is, I smile at his memory. Miss you Matt.
A Newport friend from years ago.
Jeff Schipritt
God Bless you Matthew ... God has a new Musical Angel now ... You have been recruited into one of the best bands around ... God's Angels in Heaven ... God and his Angels need you now ... your talents here were wonderful ... Much Peace now with your enternal life now ... Many blessings to Matthew's Family ... Your Musical Angel will be with you always ... Dejavu ...
Renee' Wilson
MY DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO ALL OF MATT'S FAMILY AND FRIENDS. HE WAS A GREAT MUSICIAN AND WE WILL ALL MISS HIS FRIENDSHIP AND MUSICIANSHIP.
MICHAEL "TUNES" ANTUNES
So sorry for your loss. Matt and I were in Tavares together, both playing keyboards and though we have not been in touch for many years I know his presence will be sorely missed.
John Harrison lll
words can not describe what we are all feeling from this tragic and untimely loss of matty. we are thinking of all of you and praying hard you get through this very sad time in your lives. i had the great pleasure and honour of meeting him years ago through bobby and lee orgel. matthew and i were in their wedding together. he made me laugh so hard i would cry. i have so many wonderful silly memories of times shared with him. my parents and siblings ADORED him. my father wanted him desperately for his son in law. i can only hope and pray that my dad, bill sullivan was there to welcome him with open arms (clarinet in hand) on his journey. i will miss him every day and on occasion, drink a good ole rusty nail (if i can get it down!) for him. i love you matthew. xoxoxox
eileen sullivan and family from concord mass.
To Kia and the Quinn family,
A year after moving to Newport in 1995 I started a non profit cancer support organization, Rite of Passage Cancer Project. It wasn't long after my long recovery from a bone marrow transplant for Leukemia.
I heard about a benefit jazz concert at Ocean Cliff being held to support a local pianist who was battling lymphoma.
I was stunned and extremely moved by the hundreds of people in attendance and the stellar performances by all his friends in the music industry. What a glorious night.
Shortly after that evening, Matt called my office to tell me he had heard of my organization and wanted to help out.
He was overwhelmingly gracious and generous by opening his heart and his phone book and contacted every committee member and musician friend to help me start the 1st in a 3 year annual series of benefit jazz concerts we titled Jazz and More. Because of Matt, we grossed almost $40,000 in the first year. And the concert grew each year both in the numbers in the audience and the dollars raised. We helped a lot of families because of all this community support.
Matt was a true friend to both the organization and to me.
Although we pretty much lost touch over the last few years, I will always remember his energy, effervescence, grand talent, humor and wit. There was so much love in that tent today at Castle Hill. It is through that enduring love, the collective memories and the brilliant music that he will live on.
With heartfelt sympathy,
Miriam Goldsmith
TO THE FAMILY OF MATTHEW QUINN,
MY DEEPEST REGRETS IN YOUR LOSS. I AM A BIG TAVARES FAN SINCE THE BEGINNING AND WHEN TINY INFORMED ME OF MATTHEW'S PASSING I FELT THAT ALTHOUGH I NEVER MET MATT JUST THINK (MATT WAS PART OF THE CHEMISTRY THAT MADE THE 'words and music'GREAT!!! HE WILL BE MISSED.Eddie Escoto
I cannot tell you in words how sad I am, and we all our about 'Uncle' Matthew's passing. I'm really upset that I didn't get back in touch with him while I have been living on the Island. I did get to catch him playing at Greenvale Vineyards and got to catch up with him after so many years being out of touch. It was so great to see him.
My relationship with 'Uncle' Matt was a lot different than everyone's here. It had honestly been a long time since I had last seen him, and our only contact was an occasional phone call or getting updates on his condition from my father (when he was battling cancer). The best way I can talk about him is by sharing my earliest memory of him.
I remember being very young and my family holding a huge New Year's party in our house in Dartmouth. We had an old electric piano in our living room, and I remember Matthew graciously playing for everyone all night long. I don't remember the songs he played, or the conversations that he had with people all night long. I just remember the laughing, the singing, happiness, and this unmistakable glow around the piano he was playing.
I have a beautiful family, and there is a lot of love in our house. But I cannot remember for the life of me a time when there was as much love in the room as when Matthew played the piano that night. Matthew is gone, and all we have are these beautiful memories of his stories, his love, and the joy he has brought to so many people.
Our piano is still sitting in the corner of our living room, and it will never be played again with as much passion as that night. On so many levels...he was, and always will be, one tough act to follow.
With so much love,
Ralphie
I was so stunned when I heard about Matthew. My thoughts and prayers are with his family. I know he will be greatly missed. I graduated from Rogers with Matt and will always remember our trip to DC in 1973 for the Presidental Inaugural Parade. We traveled all night and it was noisy and uncomfortable on the bus. Matt didn't seem to mind, he spent the night sleeping in the overhead luggage racks! He always made me smile. I remember another time the summer we graduated in 76. I was at The Tavern in Newport with friends and it was crowded and loud. Not my scene and I felt terribly uncomfortable and out of place. Suddenly I felt someone yank my arm. It was such a relief when I turned and saw Matt's face. I told him how miserable I was and he took me home. He was my Knight in Shining Armor that night. That was the last time I saw him but I have thought of him often over the years. If I live to be 100, and I hope I do, there will always be a special place in my heart for Matthew.
Cathleen Ronayne Oblinger
Matt was a good friend and really inspired my son Zach to play music. Matt worked with Zach when he was 4 until we moved out of Rhode Island. He was just getting into his grove then this happens. Knowing I can't just see him when I get back to Newport is very sad. I will miss him.
Kevin J. High
My family and I spent Christmas with Matthew and Kia last year. A house filled with Scandinavian relatives can be daunting, but Matthew took on the challenge with style, serving a very respectable duck l'orange. You could tell how much he loved Kia by the way he welcomed us. Eager to make everything perfect, he pulled out his stash of epicurean mixes and called a "chef friend" for mid-poultry-preparation advice.
Later at the dinner table, he had us all laughing in spite of ourselves with his stories of... well... (there's no way to put it nicely.)..puke. In doing so he lit a spark of illness that spread through the family like wildfire. How funny was that?
I wish I had more years get to know and appreciate you Matthew. XO
Cousin Monica
I wish to extend my deepest sympathies to Matthew's family. He was in a sense, Newport, brilliant on the piano and in personality, he could carry the crowd anywhere, anytime. His ability to improvise on the keys and entertain with his wit and music made him larger than life, Newport's music scene has lost a real icon.
I knew Matt and his brother Mark from my junior and senior high days, playing in the band. Matt played several instruments but it was when he got on the piano that you saw his real passion and talent.
Returning to newport a few times each year, I would try to go and listen to him play when possible, always impressed with his ability to improvise - when he asked the crowd what they wanted to hear one night (late 80's) - I kiddingly said 'Aerosmith'. What followed still sticks in my mind as he played "Dream On" and it sounded absolutely incredible. I saw him last year over thanksgiving at a restaurant, with my family, and asked him to play it again. He just had that 'magic' that set him apart from anyone else.
George Winslow
ALTHOUGH I HAVE NEVER HAD THE PLEASURE OF MEETING MATT, MY CONDOLENCES TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY. I AM SURE HE WILL BE DEEPLY MISSED. TINY TAVARES SENT ME THIS NOTICE. MY PRAYERS ARE FOR YOU AND MIKE. THANK YOU FOR ALLOWING ME TO DO SO.
JAN ESTRELLA SCHOOL OF DANCE
Title Unknown
by (unknown)
No-one heard the footsteps
of angels drawing near,
Who took from earth to heaven
the one we loved so dear.
He has not really left us,
nor has he travelled far.
Just entered God's beautiful garden,
and left the door ajar.
At Peace now - All our love Jayjay, Baba, Wande and your God-Daughter Dylan.
The Epega Family - London
Dear Kia and the Quinn family,
I am writing to express my deepest sympathy over your loss of dear Matt. You are in my and Caroline’s hearts and prayers as you go through this most difficult time.
Everyone knows that Matt was a remarkable person. I was able to experience Matt’s extraordinary energy on a daily basis, as his roommate back in college in the late 70’s. His enthusiasm for school, people, music and life were contagious. I was immediately awestruck by his musical gifts-his ability to write flawless large-band arrangements in perfect musical penmanship while watching television, eating and taking phone calls-with no keyboard in sight. His ease in making friends amongst students and faculty also made a huge impression on me.
We roomed for a semester in the dorms and then at an apartment on Hemingway Street. When I arrived at Berklee in January of 1978, I was initially assigned to an pre “smoke-filled” dorm room complete with a nice, but rather stoned-out roommate . I immediately requested a change and was given a new room. I was told that my new roommate had had the room the previous semester and had yet to report back to school.
Within minutes after moving in, there was a knock on the door. Someone came to say I had a call on the payphone in the hall. “Hello…” the voice said, “are you in Room 734 this semester?” “Yes” I said. The voice continued, “I’m Matt, your roommate, I’ll be coming up sometime tomorrow, In the meantime, don’t touch any of my stuff, OK???? “Uh, sure…” I said, and not being all that curious, I did pretty much ignore his stuff. But shortly after after we met the next day, I couldn’t resist saying that I actually did touch his stuff, in fact, I touched everything-a lot! The jokes began there and never ended.
Matt sub-let an apartment from a teacher for the following semester and I was asked to come along. The building was also home to various colorful, down and out types and a prohibition-era supervisor who still believed in the cause.
On the day each month that our neighbors got their assistance checks, the excitement in the building began early. From the door across the hall, we’d hear “KNOCK-KNOCK” “CHARLIE, OPEN THE DAMN DOOR, CHARLIE…" “KNOCK-KNOCK”, "IT’S BILL, LET”S GO GET A BOTTLE”. Then, from inside the room we’d hear a thunderous: “FOR CHRIS’ SAKE!!!!!”. After a few more minutes of similar exchanges, Charlie and Bill would be off and we’d be mimicking them for the rest of the day. During this time, Matt introduced this Michigan boy to the joys of Cherrystone clams, Narragansett beers and the Red Sox.
I ended up moving to a house in Jamaica Plain for my last year of school but still saw Matt often, even though he was continually gigging on the weekends in Newport. After graduation, he’d invite me down for the Jazz Festivals and we had many great times. In later years, he was the star of my bachelor party and I may have never laughed so hard in my life as that night—thanks to Matt.
As time past, Matt did the legwork for staying in touch. As good at he was at maintaining relationships over time, I seemed to be lacking. He didn’t take for granted that tomorrow would always be available for properly catching up, as I have so painfully learned by his untimely loss. Being so very fortunate to have been at his fund raiser, bachelor party and his joyful wedding in recent years, I hope to learn from his example of generosity of talent, spirit, humor and joy for life. This is how I intend for Matt to continue to live in me.
With warmest sympathy,
Dan Bowden
When i got the word about matt, i cried like a baby. His smile and his voice will be with me forever.
love manny.Manuel Barros Jr.
The Grant Family, from Bronx, NY
please accept my heartfelt sympathy on this sad news. Matt was my friend for many years and this is a great loss for me as well. Currently in Italy and received notice one week later because of communications problems.
Thank you for this web page.Sincerely....MIKE TURK
Uncle Matthew,
I was about 7 1/2 when you came to California to visit us girls. We made you a big sign that said "Welcome Matt-Hew!" We were so proud of our sign and you were so kind. You let us climb all over while you laughed and played games with us. I remember Kerry Ann, Jenny Lynn and I singing away to you as well and you smiled and told us how proud you were of us.
Then in June of 04 the three of us flew out to Newport for a couple of weeks to visit. We stood so proud listening to you sing at the Christie's and another restaurant/club that Opa took us to. I can remember it like it was yesterday! We stood there is Awwwwww.......And said to each other "That is OUR Uncle!".
You took us to all of the mansions you could and told us all the stories you knew about them. I still can not believe the history and knowledge you shared with us. We have been able to share it with our friends and family here in California as well.
You were sooooo excited to have played as an extra in "True Lies" with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jamie Lee Curtis. We went to see the movie with Philip and Cynthia and you told us to watch for you and you knew exactly what scene we would spot you in. Philip and I stayed to watch the credits to see if your name appeared. It didn't, but we saw your moment of fame :).
You have always had such kind-soul and we have loved you very much. Though distance had us apart, you were always in our hearts. We were so blessed to have had you here on this earth, but feel even more blessed to have you as our Angel looking over us.
I will be sure to share my stories with you now in my dreams. I will love you always Uncle Matthew!Niece - Christy Marie
Some of my greatest moments on stage were with Matt and I will be eternally grateful for all he gave me (which is more than he will ever know). It will never be the same without him, but I hear his music in mine and will carry it in every note I ever sing.
I will miss him deeply and am truly humbled to have worked with him and more importantly, call him my friend.
Kia, my thoughts and prayers are with you and Matt's family. He loved you SO much and you have a guardian angel watching over you now. He touched so many lives--I was just honored to be a small part of it.
Kelley Lennon
Dear Kia,
Sarala and I are so saddened to learn of Matthew's death. Although we did not have a chance to meet him, we were touched by his music. May the love and support of family and friends comfort you at this most difficult time. You are in our hearts.
Love, Ruth & Sarala
Dear Kia
I am so sorry to hear about your loss! I never got a chance to meet him and that makes me very sad. You are in my prayers and of course my heart.
Wishing you love and light,
Fran
thanks, everyone from the bottom of our hearts.
love and compassion are the sinews of a great people. it might seem trite, until you have the nightmare that my family and i have had to endure; the love and sentiments thrown to my family, have been the rock that has kept us, "keepin on". it's been like a bad trip as you can imagine, yet again, i thank and my family thanks all of you; matthew's brothers and sisters. love, teach peace mark
I met "Q" at Berklee in 1977.He was so funny. He would always make me laugh! One time he helped me write an arrangement for school. I got an "A". Music came very easy to him. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing. We will all miss him deeply.
Mike George
28 June 2007 - HAPPY BIRTHDAY MATT, just one more day I've never forgotten and that you'll always be on my mind.
Sharon
7/21/07
Dear Kia, Mark, Charlie, Chris, Quinn family and friends:
There have been times in my life when I have been called upon to have the courage to accept things that seem totally unacceptable, and I wonder if I am strong enough to face it. For me, Matthew’s passing has been one of those times. Accepting this tragedy has been difficult and painful. I know it is natural and even wise to rail against God or fate when we feel enraged and hurt, because that is part of the process of moving toward accepting the unacceptable. But I also know that in order to truly heal from the death of a loved one you need to stop resisting the fact that it happened. For resistance magnifies the pain. I have been resisting the fact that this has happened. For the past two months I have been trying to find the words to express my condolences and deepest sympathies to all of you, but the grief has been too great and the memories too vivid. I knew the day I could write these words would be the day that it would became all too real for me. My heart breaks. I knew Matthew for 22 years and we were as close any two friends can be for a very long time. Barry and I loved him like a son. We performed together, recorded together, traveled together, partied together (got in trouble together!) cried and laughed uncontrollably together. Matt taught Barry and I not to not take life so seriously. To live for today and have fun. He could always pull us out of any “funk” we were in. He was a real friend, the kind of friend so unique, so talented, so special, the kind of friend that only comes along once in a lifetime. I will miss him more than words can say.
Accepting the unacceptable is extremely difficult, and because of that, we all need to be very gentle with ourselves as we attempt to let Matthew go, but to also keep his memory alive. This is no easy task. Releasing resistance opens the door to acceptance and serenity. Seeing all of you at Matt’s memorial was moving and beautiful. I’m sure he loved every minute of it from heaven above. What would Matthew say to all of us right now? He would say what he said to me in a recent dream… “I’m okay”!
To Kia, and all of Matthew’s family and friends, I send you my love and healing wishes.
Suzanne “Zan” Lord