Matthew Garrett Fugarino
May 9, 2005 ~ December 30, 2023
Matthew Garrett Fugarino passed away unexpectedly at the age of 18 on December 30th, 2023. Born to parents Scott and Jessica on May 9th, 2005, Matthew was a welcomed surprise and blessing to his family. He was known to family and friends as genuine, soft-spoken, and a well-rounded nerd. From an early age, his favorite hobbies were PC gaming, hiking, camping, and recently got into reading and collecting comic books with his brother. Matthew was striving to complete his high school diploma and eagerly looking forward to his next endeavor.Matthew was funny, kind and cared about everyone in his life, he’s a “ride or die” kind of guy. He was a wonderful friend and someone you could call day or night to chat with. His hugs and warm embraces made you feel seen and important to him. Matthew was involved in Boy Scouts from the ages of 11 through 17. His personal highlights in the Scouts were trips to Northern Tier Boundary Waters in Minnesota, Trappers Rendezvous in freezing January weather, and summer camps in the mountains of Colorado; Ben Delatour Scout Ranch, San Isabel, and Camp Alexander. Matthew was an excellent hiker and boulderer. It was a pleasure to watch him out in the wilderness climbing things, fixing things, and just surviving.Our family was shaken by the unexpected loss of Matthew. His early departure from us is devastating and his absence will be felt forever. Matthew was comical, ornery, and a little hard headed but we loved him all the same and struggle to imagine life without him. What he meant to us cannot be put into words but is felt in the anguish of our hearts. Matthew will always be remembered by his parents Scott (Julie Eckhart) and Jessica (Chris Cooley), his siblings Olivia (Tim) Comfort and Alexander, step-siblings Taylor Ehrlich, Jordan, Josh and Jessica Cooley. He also leaves behind his grandfather, Lester Keller, grandmother, Vi Fugarino, grandmother, Rita, uncles, Lester Keller, Joe (Marcy) Fugarino and Jim (Sheila) Fugarino, and countless aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who loved him unconditionally. He is preceded by his grandmother, Cathy Wiggins and grandfather, Joseph Fugarino.
A celebration of life will be held for Matthew at Downing and Lahey West Mortuary with visitation from 10am to 2pm and service starting at 2pm on Thursday, January 11th, 2024.In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Matthew’s name with the Quivira Council Boy Scouts of America, 3247 N Oliver St., Wichita, KS. 67220, or call 316-264-3386. Please join our family in remembering Matthew’s beautiful life.
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After much thought I’d like to now focus on the many things Matthew accomplished in his short time with us:
Matthew fell in love
Matthew gave us all his love
Matthew learned heartbreak
Matthew learned and practiced empathy for others
Matthew traveled
Matthew was adventurous
Matthew learned to drive
Matthew practiced an infectious sense of humor
Matthew learned to sing and to sing well
Matthew learned loyalty
Matthew learned disappointment
Matthew learned forgiveness
Matthew learned the tremendous love of family; 2 to be precise
Matthew was conscious of those who needed help
Matthew learned survival and not just self preservation
Matthew took care of us all in many ways
Matthew learned compassion
Matthew learned empathy
Matthew learned humor and made sure we understood it
Matthew had tremendous talent in the kitchen
Matthew learned setting goals
Matthew learned success
Matthew was generous
Matthew learned humility
Matthew learned temperance
Matthew, I think, Learned to be an inspiration
Matthew practiced encouragement
Mathew was beautiful and didn’t purposely make others feel less so
Matthew shared these many, many accomplishments with all of us. and for that I am eternally grateful.
Love Mom