Matthew J Vanasse

Matthew J Vanasse, 30, passed away peacefully on Monday, July 5, 2021. Matthew was born in Northampton, MA to Angel H. Woolley and Christopher J. Vanasse. Matthew was employed as a cook at the 99 restaurants in Greenfield and Westfield, MA, and the McDonald’s restaurant in Southwick, MA. He was employed most recently as a cook at the Westwood restaurant in Westfield, MA, where he had made many acquaintances and lasting friendships with his coworkers and the patrons who frequented the restaurant. Matthew is survived by his Mother Angel Woolley of Greenfield MA, Father Christopher Vanasse of Southwick, MA, Angel’s husband Craig Woolley, his Grandmother Cheryl Mathews, Brothers Scott Cox, Paul Whitney, James Grimaldi, his Sister Beth-Ellen McLaren, Aunts Bonnie Jean Denno, Rebecca Denno, Eileen Lagasse, and Florence Bischoff, Uncles Peter Vanasse, Jay Eldred, and numerous cousins, nieces and nephews, by whom he will be dearly missed and who were always welcoming and happy to be with him and whose love and respect was mutual and reciprocal and for whom Matthew held a special place in his heart. Matthew was raised in Brattleboro,VT while eventually moving to Athol, MA attending Athol High School where he played football, volleyball, and basketball, excelling at basketball making the Franklin County All Star team as well as being named a member of the All-Western Massachusetts team. Matthew worked as a counselor during the summers of his High School years at the Athol Summer Playground, working with children who participated in the many sports programs they provided. He also volunteered his time at the Thanksgiving Dinner, provided by the Athol American Legion, serving meals to all those who sought them during the Thanksgiving holiday. Matthew was an avid sports fan and was a devoted Red Sox, Patriots, and Celtics fan. He exhibited his keen football knowledge, winning several of the fantasy football leagues in which he was an enthusiastic participant. He was a fanatical Patriots fan and would always be somewhere to watch every game from the opening kickoff. He and his father enjoyed numerous outings to Fenway Park and the TD Garden to root on their favorite Red Sox and Celtics teams. Matthew also enjoyed the outdoors and looked forward to the time he spent with his mom on their yearly vacation to the Finger Lakes region of New York where they created many lasting memories together. Matthew had many dear friends that he developed over the years and that he remained in touch with throughout his life. He was loved by all those who were close to him and who now feel the pain and sorrow at a life that was cut tragically short. He was always ready to give of himself for others and his infectious smile was sure to light up any room. He will be missed more than he could know and will always be remembered by those whose lives he entered. Calling hours for Matthew will be held on Saturday July 10th at the Firtion-Adams Funeral Service, 76 Broad Street, Westfield from 4:30-7:30 pm. His funeral Mass will be held in Our Lady of the Lake Church, Southwick at 11 am on Monday July 12th. Burial will follow in New Cemetery in Southwick. Firtionadams.com To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew J Vanasse, please visit our floral store.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Matthew J Vanasse, please visit our floral store.