In Memory of Matthew "Matty" Cevallos

Matthew "Matty" Cevallos
1970 - 2006

Matthew "Matty" Cevallos was born on April 27, 1970 and departed this world suddenly on at the age of 36.  I didn't know Matty, but wish that I had.  In my effort to get to know a little more about him, I found myself returning several times to the online guest book that his parent's have kept online because I wanted to know who this  beautiful soul was. I have to admit I have cried a thousand tears getting to know Matty through the eyes and words of those whose lives he graced and touched so deeply. We all should be so lucky in life to have had a "Matty C" in our lives.

He was honest and caring with so much love for his family and friends.  Matty possessed extraordinary confidence, intellect and had an infectious smile that lit up the room.  As a boy he excelled in soccer, baseball, skiing and as a man became a formidable tri-athlete. He finished the Ironman Triathlon in Hawaii at age 23. and soon after on the Escape from Alcatraz Biathlon.

From everything that I've learned about Matty from his mother Gloria, along with the words of the many friends and family written in his online guest book, it crystal clear to me that he was a man whose presence in the lives he touched was truly a present! I would not be able to even begin to put into words what so many that knew and loved Matty have alread done, so this post is excepts from the eulogy given by one of his many friends.

"... I have many incredible stories I would love to share with all of you that represent the purity of Matt’s soul, his unconditional devotion to those he loved and cared for, the sacrifices he made, the tears he shed for people he knew and didn’t know, the way in which he always lit up a room and if we all look deep enough, left an imprint on our hearts”…

…“To sum it up and not justly… Matt had a way of making people feel alive like no other just by being present and almost lifeless when he left.” …

…“Matthew Cevallos was 36 years old when he made his departure from this life but as I look around this room, I am convinced more than ever that age is irrelevant because look what he accomplished... He may not have lived the way we think everyone should but again, that’s irrelevant. Imagine the world had we not been blessed with knowing him… It’s almost as though he had a mission from the beginning and it was fulfilled, not for him but for us and then his work was done… Look at the person next to you…. how many of us were connected through Matt, how many of us lived and still live with more passion now after knowing him…

…This world was too small for your enormous spirit Matt… Rest in peace your work here is done.”  - Tami





"... His life may have been short, way too short, but he certainly lived it. Far too many people
“endure” life, but Matt Cevallos “lived” life!
What an awesome legacy."
(excerpt from guest book - Frank)

"It is not length of life, but depth of life."
-Ralph Waldo Emerson