Matthew Joseph Nestor

Matt Nestor, a talented local musician of Farmers Branch, Texas, passed away on Saturday, March 9, 2024, in Dallas, Texas. He will always be remembered as a loving husband, son, brother, and friend to all that knew and loved him.

He is survived by his loving wife, Ellen Knapek Nestor, of Farmers Branch, Texas, parents, Bud and Susan Nestor, of Plano, Texas, sister, Meg Schneider and brother-in-law Ross Schneider, of Dallas, Texas.

Matt was born May 19, 1986 in Dallas, Texas to Bud and Susan Nestor. He graduated from Plano High School in 2004 and from the University of North Texas in 2008, with a degree in Parks and Recreational Management. He worked for Parks and Rec in Sutter Creek, California, Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Dallas, Texas. He designed, raised funding for, and oversaw the construction of disc golf courses in California, New Mexico, and Texas.

Matt loved outdoor adventures, visiting national parks, hiking, jogging, and playing disc golf. He enjoyed all sports and particularly liked watching the Dallas Mavericks. Matt never met a stranger and was loved by children and animals, especially dogs and cats. His kindness and easy-going nature made him a favorite with everyone.

After several years working Parks and Rec, Matt decided to pursue his dream job of songwriting and playing music. He was the front man for five years in the rock group Tom Devil and the Wizard. The band released four albums, for which Matt wrote all the songs. In 2018 he became a solo artist and released four additional albums. He was an incredible guitarist. His playing style mixed intricate rock formats with catchy melodies that blended multiple genres together for eclectic and unique live performances. He performed throughout the state of Texas and other venues in the Southwest and East Coast, including New Mexico, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Missouri, Louisiana, Florida, and Virginia. Matt also performed the National Anthem at a Dallas Mavericks NBA game and opened for nationally known acts, including most recently Jimmie Vaughan. His music has been played on DFW stations 91.7 KXT, 97.1 The Eagle, and 89.3 KNON.

However, love of family always came first. Matt relished taking part in all family occasions and wrote songs for each of his nieces, Caroline, Charlotte, Emily, and Annie.

Although Matt’s musical legacy will live on in his songs and many videos, he will be greatly missed by his immediate and extended family, his wonderful friends, and the music community. (To learn more about Matt’s music, visit: www.mattnestormusic.com. To read a local interview in “SHOUTOUT DFW,” click the following link: https://shoutoutdfw.com/meet-matt-nestor-singer-songwriter-musician-entertainer/ ).

The Memorial Mass Service will be held at 10:30 am on Thursday, March 21, 2024 at Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton Catholic Church in Plano, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made online to MusiCares (a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides assistance to musicians in times of financial, personal, or medical crisis, which can be found at musicares.org).