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Matthew Bythrow Obituary
MATTHEW J., suddenly, on Aug. 20, 2004, of North Hills, loving son of Mark and Margaret (nee Donahoe), brother of Kevin, Stephen, Frankie and Moira; also survived by his paternal grandparents Hal and Mary Jane Bythrow and maternal grandparents John and Irene Donahoe and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins. Funeral Mass Tues. 11 A.M. Queen of Peace Church, North Hills Ave. and Fitzwatertown Rd., Ardsley. Relatives and friends are invited to Queen of Peace Church Mon. 7 to 9 P.M. In lieu of flowers Donations to Matthew Bythrow Scholarship Fund, c/o Abington Bank, 273 Keswick Ave., Glenside, PA 19038 would be appreciated.
WILLIAM R. MAY F.H., Glenside
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Bythrow
Sponsored by Matthew's favorite aunt Dyan.
Erin Bythrow
May 11, 2012
I cant beleive it has been 8 years!!! and yet it feels like yesterday, I def think about you everyday, and going past the tree is a huge reminder, Im so saddend on what you have missed, Lauren getting married, your brothers growing up and Moira turning into a little cutiepie! I know your looking down but my heart breaks still that you cant be here..Frank im sure you know is just like you!!! he has the same personality and sense of humor!!! Kev, that kid will never change!he cracks me up Steve always the gentleman, and Moira, shes got your dry sense of humor as well!!!I honestley dont know what else to say but your missed everyday, I talked to grandad before he died, and I told him hed be with you and grandmom, and he just smiled, I hope your having fun up there with him!! Do me a favor and tie his shoes together for me:) Again not a day goes by that I dont for a min sit back and think of you back in homeroom doing your simpson impression, and seinfeld.. MULVA!!! You were one of a kind irreplaceable.. and i look forward to the day we can chill again:).. tell everyone I said hi!!! and keep looking over us.... Love ya!!!xoxoxo
Allison Lang
November 14, 2010
Dear Matt,
It's 3:30 in the morning right now and I couldn't tell you why I'm on this website, reading everyone's goodbyes. Maybe it's because I'm putting together a project for college called a "mission moment" and I'm talking about my artwork. And when I asked myself where it all began, my mind always came back to you.
I remember sitting up all night in my room when you died, not really knowing what to do. I knew that I loved you, but I didn't know how to say goodbye when you were no longer there. And I remember, somewhere in those long night hours, that I had the strongest urge to pull out your picture and draw what I knew. I drew you, Matt, and everything I knew about you on that piece of paper. I drew how much I love you and how much I'll miss you. I drew you my goodbye, because there was no real way for me to say it. I gave the picture to your parents as a gift, Matt, but I wanted to let you know that I drew it for you.
In a few months I'll be 19. I'll be as old as you were when you left us. The older I grow, the more I appreciate you, Matt. I've been in three big car accidents in the past two years, and I haven't even been scratched. You think I don't notice what you're doing for me? Thank you for that.
Matt, I didn't know you as well as some of the older cousins did, but I miss you just the same. I hope you can see Stephen when he sings. And how Frankie is definitely the best volleyball player on Abington's team. I hope you keep looking out for Kevin and watching over Moira. I hope that this goodbye can suffice. It is way overdue. Thank you for everything.
I love you cousin. I'll be seeing you soon.
Love,
Allison
Victoria Johnson
September 27, 2010
R.I.P
Victoria Johnson
September 27, 2010
R.I.P ?
Theresa Donahoe
March 9, 2009
Matt,
I still think of you all of the time. You should've seen and heard Steve in Beauty and the Beast! You'd have loved it. Come to think of it, you probably did. I pray for you and hope that you are praying for the family. Please keep a lookout on our young and inexperienced drivers.
One day we'll all meet up again, I hope.
Love,
Aunt T.
mark bythrow
August 25, 2008
Dear Matt,
As it is now the 4th anniversary since you left us, I relive the events of August 20th over again (actually I do that every day since you died). So much time has gone by so fast and yet it seems so much longer since I saw you. I miss you so much. We all miss you so much. That will never stop.
I pray that you are doing God's work to help another person, another family.
We have learned to accept things we can't understand by our faith. That helps.
It doesn't make your death any easier, but it does help us make it through the day. We can't change the fact that God had other plans for you. We are just thankful you grew up in our family and could be with us for 19 years.
May your spirit soar far and wide!!!!
Love,
Dad
Moira Bythrow
May 10, 2007
Hi Matt!It's almost the golf outing and i'm sure that you will be there with us in spirit. I really wish that you could be here with us today.i was very happy when i saw you standing over mom at the shore;that was amazing to see you again since its almost 3 years that you have been gone =[. i hope that you are ok and are happy.love you&miss you!
love your favorite sister,
Moira
jacqui martini
May 10, 2007
hey,
this is moira`s friend Jacqui. i remember the first time i met you, you were really nice and you showed me the trick of pulling of your the. i send my sympathys to your family and i will pray for them.
sincerly,
jacqui (moiras friend)
Moira Bythrow
December 22, 2006
Dear Matt,
It is almost Christmas, and it will sadly be another one without you being here with us. I hope that you have a great Christmas in heaven. It is your third Christmas that we are missing you deeply. Since I am your sister, I will really miss you walking down the steps behind us and getting your presents and opening them with us there. You always gave me a gift too, since I am your goddaughter.(even though you didn't have too)I will miss your presceance and how you made the party at Aunt Kathie's very enjoyable and fun. That was your favorite party of the year and it is a shame that you have to miss it. We all love you soo much and miss you deeply. I hope that you have a Happy and Healthy Christmas in heaven. You are always in my prayers along with Mike.I love you.Moira <33333
Love, Moira
Karen
October 23, 2006
"HBM" Sending special thoughts to you on your special day!
Eric Goodman
August 28, 2006
Matt,
We all miss you so much. Don't think for a second that we forgot about you, becase we didn't. Boy, we had some great times in our shore house in LBI didn't we? It sure doesn't seem like two years since you passed. Anyway, I know that you're doing fine because you have always had high spirits. We are all thinking about you.
Your buddy,
Eric Goodman
Joe Hegerich
July 10, 2006
Hi Matt. As you probably know, I did not know about this guestbook until just recently (otherwise I would have signed long ago). We all miss you greatly. The golf outing this year was lots of fun. I will always remember the time you walked in our house and caught me dancing to the radio. Hehe, that was embarrassing then, but now I just laugh when I think of it. I hope you're having a good time in heaven.
Love,
Joe
April 18, 2006
Dear Matt,
Easter makes me think of you and all of the Easters we got to share. I'm glad to remember you at Easter because I know heaven was opened and you are there. You would love your new baby cousins. The egg hunt gets bigger every year. Give your family heavenly hugs, Matt. We all love you!
Love, Aunt Theresa
Moira Bythrow
February 10, 2006
dear Matt,
its been over 1 year now that you have been gone.I pray for you every night and I sleep with your favorite stuffed animal pooh bear!!We also have our puppy Maestro that we named after your nick-name that you gave yourself!I hope you are safe up in heaven and that you are haveing fun.I love you so much<33
Love,
Moira
Dorothy Rowan
January 22, 2006
Dear Mark and Margaret,
I never got to meet Matthew but from reading all about him, I have a pretty good idea about what he was like. He sounded like a really great son to have. We wonder why it happens this way when he was just beginning his life but take comfort knowing he is in good hands with the lord now and his spirit will live on forever.
Dorothy Ann Rowan
Rachael Rappaport
October 25, 2005
Dear Matt,
I still can't believe it's been a little over a year since you've been gone. I wanted to say happy birthday, and also that i miss you very much as well as mike. You two were great guys and you were loved by alot of people. I'll never stop loving you two. Happy Birthday Big Boy!<3 Rachael xoxo
Aunt Dyan
October 23, 2005
Happy birthday my fellow Libran, Matthew John! Our birthdays this year were both milestone ones, however,I am skipping mine this year. It got me thinking though, about time and numbers etc...I was 19 when you were born. I had also switched to Temple Ambler then, (and major)to business. You moved to heaven when you were 19, and were a student at Temple Ambler, business. Weird huh? I wonder if you disliked statistics as much as I did... I have my yahoo account set to remind me of birthdays...the reminder came for yours...I do not think I will ever need a reminder.I almost had a 'Matthew moment' tonight at your party, but I controlled myself fairly well.Sam had started to scrutinize all of the pictures around you house. After doing a mental check of who was present, he asked me, "where's Matt?" When I told him where you were, he asked how you died........He was so fond of you. He probably has a strong association of you and family parties, where you took such good care of him. I am sure you know how much I appreciated that. God bless you Matthew John! Enjoy your birthday, and have some chocolate for me! I love you and try not to miss you so terribly.But it is very hard....xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxoxxoxox
o
do
The Heinz Family
February 20, 2005
Six months have gone by
since the day you left our side
each day we try to get through
all the while thinking of you
Every night before I go to bed
I make sure that my prayers are said
asking God to to pray for all
that have been so saddened by his call
I ask him to keep a watchful eye
on those left behind that cry
to somehow make their pain go away
this is what I duly pray
How full you life in heaven must be
with so many here praying to thee
asking for guidance and love
to be sent from our angels up above
The sadness of loosing you is still in the air
we see and feel you everywhere
we remember the good times that we had
it helps get through the when we are sad
Don't worry for we will be ok
slowly but surely we get through each day
know in your heart how we love thee
and soon more smiles you shall see
All our love and prayers to Mark, Margret, Kevin, Stephen, Frankie and Moira
Rachael Rappaport
January 3, 2005
Matt,
I think about you and Mike everyday i wish you were here with us by our sides... even though i know i cant bring you two back you will always be in my heart, I will love you for ever...
With Lots of Love
Love Rachael We MISS YOU
kevin bythrow
December 11, 2004
I'm up writing this peom at 12:27,
thinkin of the day that you went to heaven,
i think about it everynight and day,
on when the time you went away,
looking at old pics,
and watching home video and other flics,
it just makes me think more more and more,
and makes the tears go like rain, and it just goes pour pour pour,
it just hurts that you wont be living with us anymore,
but you still be in all of our hearts,
with all the memories, especially at the shore,
i'll love you always and forever,
and i'll never forget the times, we had together,
i love you man,
its just hard to accept the fact that your gone.
Love, Kevin.
Maribeth gilligan
November 28, 2004
Matt,
You are in our thoughts and prayers each day. We are so grateful that you were a part of our lives.
I am so happy that you we all saw you down the shore and that you got to see Bob and John and Krishna and Quinn from CA.
I will always remember you smiling, caring about others, and enjoying life.
Love always,
Aunt Maribeth
Theresa Donahoe
November 19, 2004
Matthew,
We miss you every day. Thank you for your life of love and for blessing all of us with the gift of yourself.
Margaret and Mark,
Thank you for giving life to Matthew and being such wonderful examples of what parenting is all about.
Kevin, Stephen, Frankie and Moira,
Your brother was such a wonderful man. Continue to honor him with your own lives.
I love you all more than you could know and pray for you constantly.
Matthew Bythrow
October 23,1984-August 20, 2004
Miracle baby
Full of love
Colicky baby
From above
Little squeaker
Happy squeals
Crawling
Walking
Fun on wheels.
What a babe you were!
Soccer, baseball,
Basketball,
Bowling, hockey,
Loved them all.
What a sport you were!
Big brother,
Cousin, nephew, son,
Grandson,
Good friend,
Great kid!
Watched you digging in the sand,
Painting shells and riding waves,
Parking cars, studying,
Playing cards,
Graduating,
College-bound
Time has gone so fast.
Young man,
Full of life,
Full of love.
Smart, hard-working,
Family guy.
Heaven sent and heaven bound
What an angel you’ll be.
Goodbye…for now.
Love,
(Aunt) Theresa
kevin bythrow
November 18, 2004
What a life to take, what a bond to break.
I miss you so much, you were an awesome brother. I miss you so much and i love you man. Its almost been 3 months and were all still staying strong. It's hard without you. <3
Moira Bythrow
November 13, 2004
Dear Matt and Mike,
you are deeply missed in everybody. You guys are great people. We really love you two.
Love,
Moira
Adam Kramer
November 11, 2004
Dear Matt,
We didn't really get to know each other but we did talk a little. Every one misses you and this is how i want to pay my respects, you were a graet person. From all Kevin has told me you seem like the idial brother, always helpin out and such. We all miss you and will always remember you, i only hope You where here with your family, but i guess you are in a way.
From,
Forever, your favorite aunt Dyan
November 6, 2004
"The majority of us lead quiet, unheralded lives as we pass through this world. There will most likely be no ticker-tape parades for us, no monuments created in our honor. But that does not lessen our possible impact, for there are scores of people waiting for someone just like us to come along, people who will appreciate our compassion, our encouragement, who will need our unique talents. Someone who will live a happier life merely because we took the time to share what we had to give. Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. It's overwhelming to consider the continuous opportunities there are to make our love felt." Leo Buscaglia
Our Matthew John had that impact on people. That was evident by the hundreds that endured a four hour wait to pay their respects to Matthew's family. It is still evident by the thousands of expressions of support, received daily in various forms. How wonderful to have touched so many lives in such a short period of time! He has spread so much happiness. What a tribute as well, to Margaret and Mark for such remarkable parenting.
Two and a half months have passed since that terrible day. October 23rd was Matthew's birthday. Let us all follow his example, and continue to make our love felt. Let us heed Leo Buscaglia's wise words, and continue our support of the Kornfeld, Knapp, Hepler and Bythrow families.
People are often at a loss for what to say or do with such devastation. Mr.Buscaglia presents such a simple solution.
If we channel our efforts the way he suggests, we will all benefit. We will also be allowing Matthew to live on through us. He exemplifies these attributes. We had a great gift having him in our lives. Let us give that gift to others. If there had been more time....I bet we would have seen a ticker-tape parade or monument. What a privilege to have known and loved him.
kathleen doyle
November 4, 2004
Dear Matthew,
you were a great and funny person
all of us love you with all our hearts
Love,
Kathleen
Kate
October 20, 2004
Matt,
You are deeply missed and in everyone's thoughts everyday. I know you are smiling down on us!
moira bythrow
October 17, 2004
Dear Matthew,
we really love you and miss you
Love,
your sister moira
September 1, 2004
TO THE HEPLERS AND BYTHROWS,
OLDER ONES IN YOUR FAMILIES GREW UP WITH MY CHILDREN AND GRANDCHILDREN, WE WANT TO TELL YOU WERE PRAYING FOR YOU.
The day we're born, God has a plan for each and everyone.
Our time to live on earth is short as we are all aware .
Life's design for each of us is known to God alone.
When loved ones die, we question why, but to no avail.
God loves us all and someday soon we'll also get the call.
He picks each one to be with him at a different stage of life.
You may be young, you may be old, the age just doesn't matter.
The chosen ones sit by his side;
happy with Him as they watch and guide their loved ones THROUGHOUT THEIR LIVES.
they'll pray for them until again by their side.
God takes our loved ones but leaves us here to cry.
Why oh why do people die is a puzzle to us all
-- a missing piece can not be found until we get God's call
WE ALSO PRAY FOR THE KNAPP FAMILY WHO LOST DEAR FRIENDS. MAY GOD BLESS THEM
ARDSLEY NEIGHBORS.
Patty & Jeff Cline
August 31, 2004
Dear Mark & Margaret,
Words cannot express how saddened we were to learn of Matt's death. We've just returned from an extended vacation, and just heard the news.
Matt was a wonderful young man and he will be sorely missed. Jeff and Michael were especially touched upon hearing the news, as they have many fond memories of him from roller hockey at the Y.
You have our deepest sympathy. Please let us know if there is anything we can do.
Heidi Norton
August 27, 2004
Mark & Margaret,
We just found out about Matthew.God Bless you and your family. We're praying for all of you during this difficult time.
Love,
The Norton Family
Cynthia Del Moore
August 26, 2004
Our deepest sympathies go out to the Bythrow family and the Hepler family.
To the Bythrows - our deepest sympathies go out to your loving family with whom we have been neighbors and acquaintances for many years. Our thoughts and the thoughts of our children and their friends have been and will be with you. Your child and grandchild is in God's hands and we will pray for you and him.
Nick, Cindy, Nicky and Mia Del Moore and Elizabeth Cross
Jeanne Lydon
August 24, 2004
Dear Mark and Margaret,
You are in our prayers and thoughts continuously. You are such a beautiful, loving family. Every parent in our community shares your pain. Your family has made us all feel so much at ease as we try to show you our support. Your faith in God shines and you are a great example to us.
We will keep you in our prayers,
The Lydon Family
Ann Marie Cassidy-Gardiner
August 24, 2004
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Bythrow family. May the love and support of family and friends get you through this time of sorrow.
Ann & Chuck Gardiner
Robin Czyzewicz
August 24, 2004
My sympathies go out to the family. Matt was a great kid and made every minute of attending bowling matches that much more fun. Besides that he was just a great guy to be around. He will be missed, and I hope that he is still knocking down strikes. God Bless the Bythrows.
Ann Gospodarek
August 23, 2004
I know there are no words that can help ease your pain and suffering that your family is going through at this time of loss. We will keep you in our prayers during this time of sadness and ask God to give you the strength and comfort to ease your pain.
I know that our son David enjoyed the friendship he encountered with your son and will miss him dearly.
The Gospodarek Family
August 23, 2004
I know there are no words that can help ease your pain and suffering that your family is going through at this time of loss. We will keep you in our prayers during this time of sadness and ask God to give you the strength and comfort to ease your pain.
I know that our son David enjoyed the friendship he encountered with your son and will miss him dearly.
The Gospodarek Family
The Henhoeffer's
August 23, 2004
My son, Bill became friends with Matt when they were in Little League together & have remained friends ever since. We are both saddened & shocked at the loss of this wonderful young man. Our deepest sympathy to the entire family.
PETER SIEGFRIED
August 23, 2004
ON BEHALF OF THE SIEGFRIED FAMILY, OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ARE WITH YOU IN THIS TIME OF SORROW.
PJS
Marilou Cassidy-McEnerney
August 23, 2004
God bless the Bythrow family. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this tragic time.
Al & Ursula LaBrusciano
August 22, 2004
Our hearts, thoughts, love and prayers go out to the entire family of Mark & Margaret and their beautiful children that we always hear so much about. We hope that all our prayers and love will help in some small way to get you all through this time.
Karen Heinz
August 22, 2004
No words to say...
What does one say when a life is taken away
two boys are gone, they were with us yesterday
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
If I give you a hug will it help at all
Should I just pray, staring at the wall
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
If we think of the happy times will it make us cry more
should we remember the silly things they did before
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
Yesterday we had two boys among us and now suddenly gone
We all reach out console, and wonder what went wrong
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
I sit and look upon the sky... wonder where they are
why did they leave us so... go away so far
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
I see two mothers cry in pain... two fathers asking why my son
two families, two losses, and makes no sense to anyone
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
I see a group of boys growing up so fast
trying to cope with the pain and loss of their friends that just passed
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
I see the other parents the pain in their eyes
as they reach out and hug their son as they walk by
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
How does one try to console and ease your pain
how can we reach you and take away your rain
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
We all feel your pain, your loss, your despair
please know we all love you and how we care
I think Ill sit in silence right now
there are just no words to say...
I sit and write this with tears in my eyes, and a deep pain in my heart. I send all my love to Mark and Margaret, Al and Donna, to the whole Bythrow and Hepler families. Please know that you are all in our thoughts and our prayers, as we shed our hearts and tears for the loss of Matthew and Michael
This is written in loving Memory of
Matthew Bythrow and Michael Hepler
Two young boys taken away from us only 19 years of age on August 20th, 2004
Ginna and Tim Reardon
August 22, 2004
Dear Margaret and Mark "May God Hold You In the Palm of His Hands" at this very sad time. No words can comfort only belief in our Lord. So sorry to read the news of Matt. Ginna and Tim Reardon
K H
August 22, 2004
Since the first time I met Matt, he always had a smile on his face, and that is how I will remember him always. Matt was the most kind and caring friend, and I will never forget the times I have shared with him. I feel blessed to have known him as well as I did. My thoughts and prayers go out to all in suffering.<3
The Staff of May Funeral Home
August 22, 2004
Offering our deepest condolences during this time.
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