Dylan T. Matz

1993 - 2021

A Kind and Gentle Soul

Dylan T. Matz, age 28, of Erie, Pa., was called home to eternal life on Thursday, May 13, 2021.

Dylan was born on January 22, 1993, a son of Robert and Erin (Cahill) Matz and the late Cheryl (Boehm) Matz.

He graduated from McDowell High School in 2011 and earned his Bachelor of Arts in History and Philosophy from Baldwin Wallace University in 2015.

Dylan Matz was a kind, gentle soul who had an uncanny way of touching the lives of everyone he met through his genuine compassion and pure heart. He was a bright shining light in the lives of his family, friends, and coworkers.

Dylan was passionate about making a difference in the communities he was a part of. He wrestled in high school and competed in college at Baldwin Wallace, where he also served as an assistant student coach for the football team. He continued on as a volunteer coach for Harbor Creek Youth Services, a volunteer coach for Central Tech wrestling and football teams, and most recently, he was a volunteer coach for the Erie High Royals wrestling and football teams. Dylan touched the lives of countless youth and players, both on and off the field.

It was his drive to help everyone he crossed paths with that made such a profound impression. As a former manager at Ayoma restaurant, he assisted many of the students he coached get jobs and obtain growth opportunities. Most recently, he loved working as an Account Manager and Social Media Manager for Career Concepts Staffing Services, where he quickly became a beloved member of the staff. He talked about all of his coworkers on a first-name basis to his family. Dylan is cherished by his team members, who described him as a blessing who went above and beyond to fulfill requests and help wherever he could.

In the words of Dylan's Career Concepts colleagues…"His maturity and professionalism didn't seem to belong to someone who looked so young. It didn't take long before he won everyone's hearts and gained everyone's trust. Day by day, we worked together, laughed, shared life stories, helped each other, and became true friends. He was always dedicated to helping others, someone who you could talk to, give you an honest opinion and provide a unique perspective most people didn't have. He tried SO HARD at everything he worked on. He hated to disappoint or offend anyone, and it just wasn't in him to turn down anyone's request for help. He was a blessing to know, even though it was for a short time. He was genuine. The real deal. He had so much promise and a bright future ahead of him. His untimely loss has left a huge hole in all our hearts."

Dylan was a brilliant thinker wise beyond his years. He was passionate about learning and uncovering the hidden truths about the world. He devoured books and took enormous interest in all that he learned from them. Reading was his comfort, and his meticulous notetaking made him a walking vault of information. Dylan could readily engage in an intellectual conversation with anyone, yet still remain a humbled and compassionate listener to those who needed to be heard. People often remarked on how Dylan had an instantaneous warmth and undivided attention that held you in suspension.

One of Dylan's most beautiful qualities was his love for his family. He had unbreakable bonds with his sisters, to whom he was a role model and inspiration throughout their lives. He is a treasure to his entire family and will be deeply missed and loved forever. Dylan is remembered for his piercing soft eyes, infectious smile, and his one-of-a-kind presence that made others feel completely comfortable and at ease to be the truest version of themselves, which is so rare to come by.

Dylan is preceded in death by his mother, Cheryl Boehm, and grandfathers, Lee Matz, and Patrick Cahill.

His spirit will be carried on by his parents, Rob and Erin Matz, sisters, Amber, Reilly and Hannah Matz, grandparents, Chuck and Nora Boehm, Gerry Cahill, and Diane Foster-Matz, aunts and uncles, Abby Matz, Jeff Jankowski, Geoff and Tricia Boehm, Abby Cahill, Jimmy and Sara Swain, Michelle and Danny Glover, and many cousins, extended family and friends.

While our hearts will never be the same, we find peace in knowing that God has called Dylan home to use his goodness and purity for a higher purpose where the light of Dylan's soul will continue to shine on the unseen. He will eternally rest in the hearts and minds of his family, friends, and all who loved him.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, May 18, 2021 from 3 p.m. until 7 p.m. at the Kloecker Funeral Home and Crematory, Inc., 2502 Sassafras St. Erie PA 16502. A private burial will be held on Wednesday, May 19, 2021 at Laurel Hill Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to the family for establishment of the Dylan Matz Scholarship Fund. Condolences may be sent to www.kloeckerfuneralhome.com.

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