In Loving Memory of Matthew W. DePaolera

It is with great sadness that we share that this past Tuesday, August 26, 2025 - we lost the joy of our lives, our anchor, our beloved Matt.

Matt was so many things—a devoted dad, a loving husband, a treasured son and brother, and a sincere and loyal friend. His infectious smile lit up every room and truly reflected who he was at his core: genuine, kind, and full of warmth. His joy was effortless, and he made everyone around him feel welcomed and cared for. Once you knew him, you knew you had a friend for life.

Matt's family defined him. His loving wife Maria (née Cervino) and their beautiful children, Miles (3) and Estella (almost 2), were the greatest joys of his life and the driving force behind his brave fight against cancer. Everything Matt did, every choice he made, was rooted in his deep love for them. He adored being a dad—whether it was sharing playtime before bed, bathtime, or looking for bugs and worms outside - Miles & Stella were his world.

As a husband, Matt and Maria shared the kind of love that was rare and radiant. To see them together was to see two souls who had truly found their home in each other. They built a life filled with love, devotion, laughter, and adventure - creating lasting memories that will be cherished forever.

Matt embraced life fully. He loved exploring new places, spending time outdoors, working on his house, or just enjoying a quiet evening with family. Matt made ordinary moments extraordinary. His life was a true gift, and his absence leaves a void that cannot be filled.

In addition to his wife and children, Matt is survived by other loving family members:

            Parents: Gary DePaolera & Pamela Bronander

            Siblings: Gary Jr, Jacqueline & daughter Sofia

            Jilliana & her children, Louis & Lilah

            Nicholas, Kimberly & son Crew

            In-laws: Anthony & Kim Marie Cervino

            Grandma Gloria Masiero

            Marissa, Eric & their children, Thomas, Anthony, & Dominic

            Lauren, Adam & their children, Felicita, Mia, and Lucas

            Boxer dogs: Monroe & Cali

Although we are heartbroken, we know that Matt has left us a true legacy of unselfish love, loyalty, humor, and support for others. All of us - but especially his family and children - will carry forward his spirit, his kindness, and the deep love that defined who he was.

We invite all who loved Matt to join us on September 5th, 2025, at 10:00 am at Our Lady of the Magnificat Church, located at 2 Miller Road, Kinnelon, NJ 07405, as we gather to celebrate his life, share memories, and honor the beautiful man he was.

In lieu of flowers, we ask that those who wish to do so consider supporting Matt's greatest legacy—the future of his children—through his GoFundMe page.