Matthew James "Dino" Divino of Portsmouth, NH, passed away at Portsmouth Regional Hospital on Thanksgiving morning, November 27, after courageously battling a series of health challenges.
Matthew was born at home in Holliston, Massachusetts, on August 27, 1985. He attended schools in Holliston, at TASIS England (Surrey), and in Concord, Massachusetts.
While at TASIS, Matthew discovered his passion for singing on stage, performing in chorus groups and in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He continued performing throughout his years at Concord Middle School and Concord-Carlisle High School in choral groups, men's choir, and mixed a cappella. On stage he shone in memorable roles, including Tateh in Ragtime and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
In addition to his love of music, Matthew was a proud member of the varsity football and wrestling teams at CCHS. His football jersey number, 79, was so meaningful to him that he incorporated it into his email address. He loved bridging the worlds of athletics and performance, often treating his coaches to tickets for his shows.
Matthew earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2009. During his time at UNH, he was a committed member of Phi Kappa Theta and the elite a cappella group, The New Hampshire Gentlemen. The friendships, camaraderie, and "good times" he shared with his fraternity brothers and fellow Gents remained among the great joys of his life. He eagerly looked forward to every reunion, especially the annual "Gents Golfing Badly" event.
During and after college, Matthew found his true professional calling in the hospitality industry. The list of restaurants where he worked reads like a time capsule of the New Hampshire Seacoast: Kennedy's, Portsmouth Brewery, Demeter's, Anneke Jans, CR's, Rudi's, Mombo, Dough Craft Pizza, Martingale Wharf, Lithermans Brewery, TOUR, and BG's Boathouse. Whether serving, bartending, managing the bar, or leading as GM, Matthew was known for offering personalized service to every guest. His "regulars" followed him from one establishment to the next, becoming close friends who appreciated his warmth, his attention to detail, and his remarkable cocktails—most famously, his Espresso Martini.
Outside of work, Matthew loved socializing at Street, playing darts, singing karaoke, cooking complicated recipes (which he always tweaked to improve), golfing, and playing tennis with his dear friend, the late Chase Bailey.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Craig Douglas and Mary Jane (King) of Naples, Florida, and by his older brother, Craig Wesley of Brooklyn, New York.
To honor Matthew's memory—his love of singing, performing, and the Portsmouth community—donations may be made to Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, or online at www.seacoastrep.org (select "Stand By the Arts"). Please include the note: "In Memory of Matthew James Divino."
Matthew was born at home in Holliston, Massachusetts, on August 27, 1985. He attended schools in Holliston, at TASIS England (Surrey), and in Concord, Massachusetts.
While at TASIS, Matthew discovered his passion for singing on stage, performing in chorus groups and in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. He continued performing throughout his years at Concord Middle School and Concord-Carlisle High School in choral groups, men's choir, and mixed a cappella. On stage he shone in memorable roles, including Tateh in Ragtime and Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof.
In addition to his love of music, Matthew was a proud member of the varsity football and wrestling teams at CCHS. His football jersey number, 79, was so meaningful to him that he incorporated it into his email address. He loved bridging the worlds of athletics and performance, often treating his coaches to tickets for his shows.
Matthew earned his B.S. in Psychology from the University of New Hampshire in 2009. During his time at UNH, he was a committed member of Phi Kappa Theta and the elite a cappella group, The New Hampshire Gentlemen. The friendships, camaraderie, and "good times" he shared with his fraternity brothers and fellow Gents remained among the great joys of his life. He eagerly looked forward to every reunion, especially the annual "Gents Golfing Badly" event.
During and after college, Matthew found his true professional calling in the hospitality industry. The list of restaurants where he worked reads like a time capsule of the New Hampshire Seacoast: Kennedy's, Portsmouth Brewery, Demeter's, Anneke Jans, CR's, Rudi's, Mombo, Dough Craft Pizza, Martingale Wharf, Lithermans Brewery, TOUR, and BG's Boathouse. Whether serving, bartending, managing the bar, or leading as GM, Matthew was known for offering personalized service to every guest. His "regulars" followed him from one establishment to the next, becoming close friends who appreciated his warmth, his attention to detail, and his remarkable cocktails—most famously, his Espresso Martini.
Outside of work, Matthew loved socializing at Street, playing darts, singing karaoke, cooking complicated recipes (which he always tweaked to improve), golfing, and playing tennis with his dear friend, the late Chase Bailey.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Craig Douglas and Mary Jane (King) of Naples, Florida, and by his older brother, Craig Wesley of Brooklyn, New York.
To honor Matthew's memory—his love of singing, performing, and the Portsmouth community—donations may be made to Seacoast Repertory Theatre, 125 Bow Street, Portsmouth, NH 03801, or online at www.seacoastrep.org (select "Stand By the Arts"). Please include the note: "In Memory of Matthew James Divino."
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