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Matthew Alexa Obituary
Matthew David Alexa, age 57, of Erie, embarked on his final road trip Sunday, January 12, 2014. Born November 14, 1956, in Erie, he was the son of the late Walter and Katherine Kurty Alexa.
Matt was a 1975 graduate of Cathedral Prep. He was a master baker for Theresa's Italian Delicatessen. He loved to cook, and had a passion for music, whether playing his guitar or listening to Neil Young and the Beatles. He also enjoyed older movies, especially Monty Python, spending time with family and friends in his backyard, picnics, playing cards, cartoons (Yosemite Sam, Bugs Bunny, and Bullwinkle J. Moose were favorites) and rides around the peninsula.
He also had his thoughts on his "bucket list." "Well, I have one, but it only has one item on it. Everyone wants to know what's on it. So I told them. I'd like to live my life over, but just a little bit better this time."
Survivors include three brothers: Michael Alexa, wife Betty, of Erie; Martin Alexa, wife Kerry, of Silver Spring, Md.; and Mark Alexa, wife Susan Moyer, of Erie; a nephew, Brian Alexa; and a niece, Claire Alexa.
In accordance with his wishes, there will be no viewing. In celebration of Matt's life, friends are invited to gather with his family at 11:30 a.m., prior to a Memorial Mass at 12 noon, on Saturday, January 18th, at St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception Church, 315 East 9th Street.
Matthew's family would like to thank "Benji" Szumingala, owner of Theresa's, for all that he has done for Matt over many years, as well as Mary Havican who graciously gave of her time to take Matt to his doctor's appointments.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Kanzius Cancer Research Foundation, 130 West 8th St., Erie, PA 16501, or to the American Indian College Fund, 8333 Greenwood Blvd., Denver, CO 80221.
Arrangements are being handled by Brugger Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1595 West 38th St., at Greengarden Boulevard.
Sign the Guestbook at www.GoErie.com/obits
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Alexa
MARLENE LEONE
February 9, 2014
To Matt's family,
So sorry to hear about Matt. He always was his own man, for as long as I knew him (30 + years). May he find peace.
Pam Regal/Donner
February 1, 2014
So sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Chuck Alloway
January 26, 2014
Matthew was a great neighbor,he looked out for all of us Auburn Street family. So sorry for your loss. My condolences to the Alexa family.
Dave Selleck
January 24, 2014
Farewell Johnny Yuma
Johnny Yuma was a rebel as the old TV show anthem sang out, and so was Matt. Matt called me about every other day. If he had to leave a message it was "Johnny Yuma here, do you feel like cooking today? I have a couple of new recipes to try out" or "do you need help on any ongoing projects?" I never had a younger brother. I always thought of Matt as my younger brother since 1980. I met him at Haggerty's Tavern after I ran out of gas on I-79 before the 26th St ramp. My wife and I hiked to the tavern to warm up. Matt heard the story of our plight. He bought us a beer, offered to take me to get some gas and then take me to my car. He waited to make sure my car started. We went back to the tavern for another beer, this time as my treat. He wouldn't take any money for his kindness. He said "real people do these kind of things". We will be planting a Blue Spruce tree in our "Garden of Friends" near Bill and Jay. His spirit will be here always. Farewell dear Matt AKA Johnny Yuma. Rest in peace...You earned it!
Slick [Dave] & Lynn Selleck
Michelle Barczynski
January 22, 2014
To Matt, Thank you for being my dad's friend. He sure will miss you. Sorry you got sick. I never did get your amazing cookie recipes. We were just sitting here wondering how you were doing. GOODBYE NEIGHBOR! GODSPEED
Joe Donofrio
January 21, 2014
To Mike, Marty, and Mark,
It was sad for me to hear that Matt was no longer with us. He was a good friend and I will always remember him as a strong leader on our football team at Blessed Sacrament. Whenever our paths crossed, we always had a great time talking about our shared past. I will miss him.
Edith Benson
January 19, 2014
To the Alexa Family,
I met Katie at St. Peter's. She loved her family and among the many things she enjoyed, was Matt's love of cooking. I am sorry for your loss and hope you will find comfort in the peace and grace of God.
myrna martell
January 18, 2014
very sorry to hear of matts passing god bless the family
Colleen Kerr
January 17, 2014
To All of the Alexa's, I was so sorry to hear about Matt. He was so nice to everyone when we were kids! My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Sincerely, Colleen Heher Kerr
Rose Cirino Nelson
January 17, 2014
Dear Mike and Betty,
I am so sorry to read about the passing of your dear brother. I hope that as time passes, your heartache will be replaced with comfort when recalling cherished memories.
Robert & Amy Harrison
January 16, 2014
To the Alexa family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.
Robert & Amy Harrison
Dave Gianoni
January 16, 2014
Very sorry to hear about Matt. He was a good guy and a great classmate.
Dave Gianoni
Class of 75
Dennis and Melanie Colvin
January 16, 2014
Sending our condolences
Nancy DiLoreto Langowski
January 16, 2014
Dear Mike and family, please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers during this most difficult time. May you find peace and comfort with your memories, and the with the help of family and friends.
January 16, 2014
Alexa's I'm so sorry for your loss.
I still remember all the baseball we boy's played together and recall Matt's speed on the bases. I wish him God's speed to his new home with his family in heaven.
Jerry Peterson
January 16, 2014
Mike, Marty, and Mark
Sorry to hear about the passing of my friend, Matthew. I have such fond memories of the times I spent with all of you.
January 16, 2014
our deepest sympathy,our prayers are with the Alexa family.Love Michael and Denise Finotti
Michael Sisinni
January 16, 2014
Rest in peace Matt. May God welcome you with open arms.
Mike Sisinni
Cathedral Prep'75
rich weber
January 16, 2014
Dear Mike and family,
So sorry for your loss. Matt always had a great smile and a big beard. He was someone who always made me smile every time I saw him.
Patrick Shea
January 16, 2014
Sorry for the loss of your brother. You guys are in our thoughts & prayers.
Pat, Sally & Mike Shea
Marie Colver
January 16, 2014
Mike, Betty and all of the Alexa family-
Our hearftfelt sympathy on the loss of your dear brother, in law, & uncle Matt. A touching obituary for a delightful man. May he rest in peace.
Sincerely,
Dick and Marie Spak Colver
Eileen Roy
January 16, 2014
Dear Mark and family, I am sorry for the loss of your brother, Matt. He had a great smile.
Love and prayers for you all.
January 16, 2014
TO THE ALEXA FAMILY, SORRY TO HEAR OF YOUR LOSS.MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO ALL OF YOU. DAN BILETNIKOFF
Mike Pulice
January 16, 2014
From the class of '75,
My condolences to the Alexa Family. Matt was a great classmate for 4 great years.
Mary, Queen of Prep...
john swiderski
January 16, 2014
In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.
January 16, 2014
Mike & Betty,Marty
Our Deepest Sympathies! Our Thoughts & Prayers to you,family for the loss of Matt.
Tony & Carol Finotti
Mary Lyons
January 16, 2014
Dar Sue, Mark and Family: You are in my thoughts and prayers. Mary Stephany Theiss Lyons (Stuart, FL)
Gary Straub
January 16, 2014
To the Alexa family. I was so sorry to hear about Matt. You are in my thoughts and prayers. I attended my first rock concert with Matt when we were 15 and my parents drove us up to Cleveland to see Grand Funk Railroad. This has always been a special memory for me.
Mike Vitale
January 16, 2014
Mike,
Soory for the loss of your brother, we really enjoyed his cookies at Teresa's
Mark Fachetti
January 16, 2014
Mike,
Please accept my deepest sympathies. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Gary Lewandowski
January 16, 2014
Sorry to hear about Matt, he will be missed.
Tim and Mary Sedney
January 16, 2014
Mike, Betty and Family, Our deepest sympathies are with you now and in the comings days. May your brother rest in peace.
January 16, 2014
Mike,
So sorry to hear about your Brother. My thoughts and prayers are with Betty & you and all of your family.
Michael McGrath
January 16, 2014
Hey Guys,
My heart goes out to you all. Me and my family will hold you all up in prayer.
My deepest sympathy,
Joe Maloney
Tracey Harris Hall
January 16, 2014
To Betty, My heart goes out to you and your husband today. Although I didn't know Matthew, his smile was warm and kind. His life, as shared in his obituary,seemed to be the life of "everyman", yet a man with an extraordinary soul. I can only imagine how much you will all miss Matthew. Please know you are in my prayers.
Mark DiVecchio
January 16, 2014
Please accept my deepest sympathy for your family. Matt was a good man and a talented person. Your family is in my prayers.
January 16, 2014
Just want to say a few words to Matthews family. He was my parents neighbor and was always there to lend a helping hand. We appreciated all he did for them. (Phil & Marge Biondi) thanks again Matt! Our condolences to his family. Debbie (Biondi) Seippel
Craig J Heuser
January 16, 2014
Dear Mark and Alexa Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time of grief. May your memories bring comfort and peace.
January 16, 2014
I love you brother
David Suminski
January 16, 2014
God SPeed Matty,
Not enough room on this page to recap the good times we had, but Lombardos, The Younger Brothers, Parties in your back yard .. Ma, Benji, and just the crazy things in general.
You were always a good person, and your family as well. I know Ma was always very proud of her boys
Fly Free Matty, although your time here was short lived ... you were way ahead of your time..
Sleep well ....
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