Alexander Paul Matarazzo

1999 - 2023

February 22, 1999 – April 22, 2023

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our beloved son Alexander Paul Matarazzo, on Saturday, April 22, 2023. Alexander was born in Thunder Bay on February 22, 1999, to parents Paul and Connie. From the day he was born, we knew we were going to have an enthusiastic young man, who was going to want to do everything and anything.

Alexander had many friends from all areas of his life. He remained close to the friends that he made at Edgewater Park School, along with many others he made through playing sports, attending summer camp, and working. His natural ability to draw people toward him and hold them close was one of his greatest strengths. Alexander was a social being and was most happy with his loved ones around him.

From a young age, Alexander excelled at everything he put his mind to. He started walking before he was a year old, and after that there was no holding him back. He began skiing at age two, and skating at age three; from this point nothing would go untried. What a pleasure it was to watch him ski-race, dive, and play sports including hockey, soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and baseball to name a few. He also enjoyed participating in karate, waterskiing, snowboarding, and playing video games.

He was an adventurous spirit, who would try anything! He loved the many trips for hockey, soccer, and was totally in his element in a team setting. He was also the recipient of many athletic awards and trophies: at age seven, he was granted The Jason Lapier Ski Award for outstanding sportsmanship. He also received countless hockey awards including: Most Improved Player, Most Sportsmanlike Player, Most Valuable Player, Top Goal Scorer, and Team Captain.

In the summers, Alexander attended Camp Onondaga, where he learned to waterski and ride horses. He met people at camp from all over the world, many of whom he kept in touch with regularly. As an avid traveler he often spoke about one day going to see the friends he made at Summer Camp. He enjoyed taking trips to Toronto to see the Leaf¹s and Raptors play and going out West to ski. Some of Alexander¹s favourite memories with his family include vacationing at Disney World, Universal Studios, and the absolute delight he took in going on a Caribbean Cruise.

In elementary school, Alexander attended Edgewater Park, then spent his high school years at Sir Winston Churchill, from which he graduated in 2017. He went on to the Pre-Service Firefighter Program at Confederation College, where he graduated at the top of his class in 2018. More recently, he had been working toward the completion of a dual degree in Criminology and Policing through Wilfrid Laurier University.

Alexander held several part-time jobs at Canadian Tire, Petro Canada, Badanai Motors, and most recently, coaching young children at Giant Gymnastics. He loved working with kids and had a real gift for connecting with them and making them feel special. He also really enjoyed being part of the Badanai team and all the people he worked alongside. Alexander took pride in volunteering and could often be found spending his time helping at Shelter House and the annual Christmas Cheer Campaign.

He loved our pets. When he was born, we already had the first of three Jack Russell¹s; first was Maggie and next came Jackie, who was followed by Frazer. Though his favourite by far is Louie the nutty French Bulldog.

Left behind to mourn this tremendous loss are his parents; Paul and Connie, special Aunt Mimi Ventrudo, Godparents Gina and Mark Maier, Grandmother Evelyn Mackenzie, Uncle David (Cathy) Matarazzo and Cousin Alysha, Aunt Sharon Matarazzo, Uncle Chris Schmelzle and cousin Ember McKillop, as well as Aunt Claire (Gary) Chiasson. Numerous extended relatives and countless
friends also survive.

Predeceased by his Grandfather Frank Matarazzo, maternal Grandparents Mildred and Chris Schmelzle, Uncle Craig Schmelzle, and many other relatives.

Let¹s not remember Alexander for his struggles over the past several years. Instead, let¹s think of his wonderful smile, his infectious laugh, and his humanity. Let us remember his love of animals, his special relationship with children, his ability to make and keep lifelong friendships, his sportsmanship, his energy, his childlike enthusiasm for life, and his DREAMS! He mattered to so many people and we are left with an unbelievable void in our lives.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, May 5th, 2023, in CALVARY LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2820 Donald Street East at Edward, with Pastor Brian Falkenholt officiating. Interment will occur at a later date in the family plot at St. Patrick¹s Cemetery. Arrangements have been entrusted to the EVEREST WESTFORT CHAPEL, 420 West Gore Street at James.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in memory of Alexander to any of the following: The Calvary Lutheran Church Building Fund, The Northwood Hockey League (c/o Everest Funeral Chapel) and Confederation College (c/o the Office of Development). It is the family¹s intent to establish awards at each of the above organizations, in Alexander¹s name. Alternatively, donations may be made to Adult and Teen Challenge (107 Johnston Ave., Thunder Bay) or to a Charity of Your Choice.

Please sign the online condolences at www.everestofthunderbay.com