I love the pictures, Brenda!  And, although Matt was taken far too soon, you can certainly tell that he had a life well lived - that he was loved by all and that he loved his family and friends.  I am honored that you allowed Robert and I to come meet Matt and visit a little while he was in the hospital... we were grateful for the opportunity and only wish that we could have met him under different circumstances.  My heart goes out to you, Frank and the rest of Matt's family.... All my love!

As I think about Matt, all I see is that great smile!   He was always happy!  Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones. 

Jean an Florence Lafontant

I worked with Matt at Comfort Suites at the front desk.  Matt was always joking with everyone and was such a wonderful and kind person.  He had a great personality and really liked helping the guests.  He got along with everyone.  He was such a joy to work with, and he would write amusing anecdotes in our log book, like "I saw a squirrel on the garbage can today, I think he was thinking about getting a room."  Matt always made me laugh.  I will miss him dearly and was so saddened to hear of his passing.  To his family and friends, I express my deepest sympathy.  Matt was a great person and will be missed.  Joanne Glenn

Matt would do anything for anyone.  He was just that kind of person.  He had a heart of gold.  To know Matt is to love Matt, and he was loved by many.  He made everyone smile.  Heaven has a new angel.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends.  I will always remember Matt fondly.

"A friend is someone who fills our lives with beauty, joy, and grace. And makes the world that we live in a better place." 
Matt/Matty/Matteo was my best friend since we met in the 7th grade together in Naples, Italy.  I was so happy the day I found out that he moved to Pensacola, FL and we could spend time together again. He was a  friend and I consider him and his bothers family. Ti amo per sempre Matty.

I don't know when I met Matt, sometime at the his aunt and uncle's, playing with Kaitie I assume, but I have always liked him. He was always so nice, caring, and always greeted me with a hug. When I found out he was sick, I was wishing daily he'd pull through. Alas, that was not the plan. My heart is broken for the family that has always been so nice to me. Rest in peace, sweet friend. You and your bright presence will certainly be missed by all.

Dear Brenda and family.
We are so sorry to read about the death of your son, Matt. We cannot imagine the pain you and your family are going through. We hope your happy memories of him are of some comfort to you in the days, weeks and months ahead. We know your family is very close and are sure that closeness and support will help you through. We are thinking of you and praying for you.
Your Reid relatives in Ireland

Matt, you were the sweetest, most loving young man!!! You always had a positive outlook, even when things got tough! You never complained! Always had a smile on your face! You brought love, laughter and sunshine to everyone around you! I am so lucky to be your Auntie Kel!! You will be part of my heart forever! I love you, sweet boy!!! Rest, Kiddo!!!

Matty,
You are my first nephew and the little boy I used to watch when you and your cousin Kaitie were so small. As you got older, we watched you become a man who loved his family, his friends and who ate up life with a big spoon. I will miss that great laugh and you saying "Uncle Joe, guess what?" whenever you wanted to tell me something new. Rest well and be at peace. I will miss you every day.

Matt we connected as soon as we met at the Country Inn & Suites, you will always have a place in my heart, the world will not be the same with out your warm smile and bright personality...Love you

Matty...I hope you are in a wonderful place right now. I am so sad I didn't make it to the hospital to see you last week. Rest peacefully.

Oh my sweet Matty Poo, my heart is broken. Not a day will go by without me thinking of you, missing you, and loving you.

Matt, my sweet, I have loved you from the moment you were born. You are a kind and gentle soul and will be missed more than you could ever know. You had the most infectious laugh, found humor in everything, and always had a funny story to tell. You were the most wonderful son, grandson, brother, nephew, cousin, and friend to all who who knew you. I will think of you every day, and know that I love you so very much!

My dear brother. I know you lived life to the fullest. You are so awesome and just full of life and love! There is no other to replace you. I'll miss you and your neices and nephews and I will love and never forget you. Ayo ish nih shi stili yazhi. Xoxo!!

Matt, my sweet, I have loved you since the moment you were born. You are a kind and gentle soul and I will miss you more than you will ever know. You are my joy.  Be at peace and know that I'll love you forever!

OBITUARY

Matthew Russell

December 15, 1982 – November 3, 2015

Hardage - Giddens Holly Hill Funeral Home

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