Matthew J. Deleo
Matthew Joseph Deleo, 39, of Trumbull, went west on February 1, 2021. He was born on April 24th, 1981 to Susan and John (Jack) Deleo Jr.
Matt, loving son, the most devoted uncle, and friend, is survived by his parents, Jack and Sue Deleo; brother, Jason Deleo (m. Christa Deleo); sister, Jackie Garthwait (m. Andrew Garthwait); niece, Sophie Garthwait; nephews, Colton (Cole) Deleo, Evan Deleo, and Mason (Mace) Garthwait; and his beloved dog, Edie. Matt was predeceased by his grandparents John and Marcelle Deleo and Don and Margaret Serricchio.
After graduating high school Matt turned his passion for art into a career as a tattoo artist honing his skills over a 20-year career in the greater Stamford area. Most of his clients hitched their wagons to Matt, enduring hours of pain over days and weeks in return for their permanent vision. Underneath Matt’s lighthearted exterior lived a seriousness for his craft fueled by his passion.
Matt had a thirst for experience. An intrepid traveler; spending nights sleeping under twinkling desert sky, hiking mountains and canyons, exploring reefs in the Antilles, and riding the highways of America on his iron horse. Matt craved wilderness and relished hunting and fishing for subsistence and sheltering himself using nature’s bounty. He was a seeker on Earth.
Matt’s sense of humor was natural and irreverent endearing him to many. He lucked into a family that provided him with the essential nutrients for wit and gregariousness. We will forever remember the beaming pirate smile handed down from his Poppy Deleo and his beautiful Serricchio brand olive skin. He was loved and loving and has an energy everlasting. He will be with us perpetually in our stories and memories. There will not be another Christmas, 4th of July, Sunday Dinner, or day that will pass without us continuing to feel his force.
Matt’s immediate family will miss him the most. Never one to play favorites unless there was a cute girl involved, Sophie is old enough (and his favorite) to have been impacted forever by Matt’s kindness and generosity.
Cole, the first nephew by more than a handful of years spent his formative years around a young man full of frenetic energy, the two had countless adventures. Evan had a fire and ice relationship with Matt and will always remember his Uncle who took trips to Arkansas and shot rattlesnake from horseback. Evan’s love of the outdoors was in part cultivated by his Uncle Matt. Mace got the same recessive art gene as his Uncle Matt. Mace’s way of looking at and perceiving the world was permanently altered practicing art alongside of his uncle. Jackie will miss his smile, hugs and the love he showered over everyone. She treated Matt like the sister she never had. Jay will miss his drive and rejection of conventional norms. He did all the stuff Jay wanted to do but was scared to. Matt’s parents, Jack and Sue, will forever have a hole in their heart left by Chewis Lewis’ early departure from this life.
A Celebration of Life service will occur on Tuesday, February 9th, 2021 from 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Lacerenza Funeral Home, 8 Schuyler Avenue, Stamford, CT. In accordance with the State of CT mandate, all in attendance must wear face coverings and maintain social distancing.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that you consider making donations in Matt’s name to: Mental Health America, 500 Montgomery Street Suite 820, Alexandria, VA 22314. Tel: (800) 969-6642, mhanational.org. To leave an online condolence, please visit www.lacerenzafh. com.