Matthew William Reitz

Matt was fiercely intellectual, with an unquenchable thirst for knowledge. His capacity for learning was endless; he tore through books with a voracious appetite, absorbing facts and wisdom about all manner of things. On many subjects – history, politics, linguistics – he could speak at greater length and depth than people who had spent their lives studying the fields. Given more time, he certainly would have established himself as a titan in whatever professional arena he pursued.

He had just completed his Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science at Georgia State University. Matt was a leading member of the GSU Model Arab League and participated in a number of school organizations. He had jumped at the opportunity to study abroad in India, a country whose culture, traditions and people he developed a great passion and respect for, making beloved close friends along the way. Further, he had once been highly involved in the Boy Scouts of America as a young man and returned as an adult volunteer giving back to the community, passing on his knowledge and wisdom. He planned to continue his studies in graduate school and later to pursue a career in international affairs. His many inspiring ideas and ingenious plans for the future would have undoubtedly changed the world and given all of us a brighter future.

Above all, Matt was incredibly loyal and devoted to those he held dear. Family and friends were the cornerstone of Matt’s life. He cherished his parents. He and his brothers always stood steadfast together as the best of friends. He was devoted to his grandparents, and deeply loved his uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. And, most recently, he took great pride in becoming an uncle to his newborn niece, Ansley.

Matt loved to laugh; he was funny beyond belief, always ready with a joke or an entertaining story. No moment with Matt was ever dull, and he brought joy into the hearts of all blessed to know him. Anyone lucky enough to have been touched by Matt’s warm personality will always feel his absence.

Matt is survived by his parents, Tom and Caroline; his brothers, Tim and JJ; his sister-in-law Katelyn; his niece, Ansley; his grandmother, Rita; his uncle, Arthur; his loving four-legged companion, Orion; and many other relatives and beloved friends who will carry on his memory always.

In lieu of flowers, the Reitz Family requests donations be made in memory of Matt to either of these two international charities:

Doctors Without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres

www.doctorswithoutborders.org Please go to the DONATE tab and select TRIBUTE, and insert MATTHEW W. REITZ

Doctors without Borders/Medecins Sans Frontieres helps people worldwide where the need is greatest, delivering emergency medical aid to people affected by conflict, epidemics, disasters, or exclusions from health care.

And/or

Heifer International

www.heifer.org

Heifer International works with small scale farmers to achieve an income sufficient to enable a decent standard of living, moving entire communities along the path from hunger and poverty to greater resilience.

As you navigate thru their site you can see many options for giving, including buying goats for people. At the end of the donation there is a spot to enter that it's in memory or in tribute to Matthew W. Reitz.