Matthew Callahan Healey

Matt matriculated through Thayer Academy in Braintree, MA and made a big impact on the community during his time there. This immense influence came to fruition during his senior year when he unexpectedly starred in the titular role of Beauty and the Beast, won first place in the Mr. Thayer competition and travelled to Peru to spend time volunteering at an orphanage. It was truly an unbelievable year.

Matt’s greatest legacy is his eclectic and awesome group of friends. He had the “special sauce” that glued all kinds of people together in the best of ways. At his funeral, many commented that they’d lost their best friend.

Matt is survived by many loved ones including his parents Beth and Bob, siblings Michaela and Jack, grandparents Annie, Maggie and John, along with many uncles, aunts and cousins. He rests with his grandfather Harry and his uncle Jeff.

Though he has been gone for many years, Matt is frequently remembered among family and friends with fond memories and funny stories. He would be immensely touched to know he is spoken of often to his niece and nephew, who never knew him but will continue to learn what living a good life is, all through hearing about his unparalleled joie de vivre. There was no one who could give a hug quite like Matt- he’d put his whole body weight on you- or crush a pound of sliced deli American cheese in one sitting fresh from his mom bringing it home from the grocery store. He had a beautiful voice and loved to sing karaoke with his dad. Matt always happily let his kid brother tag along with him and his friends. He was a firm believer in “the more, the merrier.”

Matt had exceptional EQ and didn’t give a hoot about where you were from, what you wore or what you drove— he cared exclusively about WHO you were. Were you kind? Did you laugh a lot? That’s all that mattered to Matt. The world desperately needs more people like that. He is really missed.

While he waits for us to join him, one can imagine he is asking God why he was saddled with stick straight hair when he desperately wanted wavy hair that could flow like a hockey player. Man oh man, did he try to will that hair into flowing. He and God are definitely laughing about it together.