Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Matthew Butterfield Obituary
He leaves behind his parents D. Anthony and Catharine Butterfield; his sister Andrea Butterfield Robert, brother-in-law Marc Robert and niece Lila Robert; and his sister Margaret Butterfield. He also leaves behind a wealth of close friends, including his ex-wife Tatiana and step-son Dmitri, all of whom will greatly miss his intelligence, loyalty, compassion, love and humor.
Matthew was born Sept. 24, 1969, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. He grew up in Amherst, Massachusetts, attending Wildwood Elementary School and Amherst Regional Junior and Senior high schools. He played baseball and football and was often known by his friends as "Butter." He received a bachelor's degree from Syracuse University's honors program in international relations in 1991; and a master's degree in international affairs from Columbia University in 1996. He spent time abroad in Spain during college, and taught English in Mexico after he finished his master's.
He worked for many years as an assistant vice president with Nomura Asset Management USA in New York City. Matthew was a gifted singer and songwriter, playing bass guitar and singing lead vocals in several bands that he founded, as well as performing solo. He was actively involved in the Alcoholics Anonymous community on Long Island for many years, during which he established a very popular Sunday morning meeting, and had profound impacts on the lives of many fellow members of AA.
A memorial service for Matthew will be held Sunday, June 21, at 3 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 867 North Pleasant St., Amherst, MA 01002.
To honor Matthew's memory, the family suggests that flowers be sent to the service or memorial gifts be made to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, www.aspca.org/donate.
Matthew brought a wondrous mix of intensity and gentleness to all aspects of his life. His insight into the human condition, and deep caring for those around him, were balanced by a sharp intellect and irreverent and crackling wit that brought delight and laughter to all around him. He is loved fiercely and without reserve by the family and friends he leaves behind. May we bring to others some measure of the grace he brought to us.
To sign a Guest Book, express condolences, share memories and read other obituaries, go to www.gazettenet.com/obituaries.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Butterfield
Kenny B
June 10, 2020
Matt was a fellow that I latched on to early in my sobrity. I'm still sober and still remember Matt telling me
one day "that some things are just not important." boy was he right.
Rule #62 Thanks Matt Some really good memories.
David Mendonca
December 5, 2017
My thoughts are with the family. I only just learned of this news. I spent many, many hours working alongside Matt after college at Webs. He had a sterling wit and a sharp mind--and plenty of love for those around him.
Shannon Collins
July 14, 2015
My thoughts and prayers are with the entire family.
I knew Matt many years ago.
His heart and soul continue to have a positive impact on my feelings and thoughts of life and human beings. Over the years when I searched for a positive presence I would remember him and his way of lifting you up when you needed it most. Never judging always understanding.
He was one of the most amazing men I have ever had the privilege of knowing.
He changed my life and soul forever.
Enjoy your peace Matt.
Bonnie Betters-Reed
July 11, 2015
Thinking of you Tony and Cathy during this sad time. May memories of Matthew and his many gifts comfort you and your family. Fondly, Bonnie
Nikki
June 28, 2015
My heart goes out to you and your family, Cathy.
Kamal Harris
June 27, 2015
We will miss you Matt your memory will live on
Christine Vogt
June 22, 2015
I am so saddened to hear of Matt's passing. I have so many fond memories of growing up on Rolling Ridge - whiffle ball games, endless games of chase that stretched from the O'Connor's, Murphy's and the Butterfield backyards. I remember Matt's kindness and his smile. Sending along my deepest condolences and keeping you all in my thoughts.
Kenny B
June 18, 2015
To Matthew's family and friends - May you have some peacefulness : That is what Matt helped me find and many others.
Thoughts and prayers.
Alycia Esser
June 18, 2015
We are so very sorry for your loss. We were his neighbor in Huntington for years and his passing has left me wishing I had gotten to know him better. He was taken too soon. Wishing your family peace and love.
Pradip & Rupali Chakravarti
June 18, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Bruce and Jill Sharp
June 18, 2015
My friend Matt,Started a wonderful AA meeting in Temple Beth David.This is one of his many legacies Matt has left us.Rest in peace my friend.
Sally T.
June 18, 2015
To Matt's family - Friends of Matthew on Long Island will be forever grateful to him for the legacy he left us: a place to gather and practice gratitude and support one another in prayer and fellowship each Sunday. Matthew, and you, are in our thoughts and prayers.
June 18, 2015
There is so much love and pride in Matt's obituary. I hope the memories of so many wonderful times will soothe your hearts as you grieve. As a parent, I can only imagine how difficult this is. Wishing you peace and sweet remembrances.
LP (Gaivn's sister)
June 17, 2015
To the Butterfield family,
I am deeply sorry to read about your loss.My prayers will be with you at this time of remembering and celebrating Matt.
Our paths crossed in Amherst both at Immanuel and in the Amherst Baseball Program. May your good family memories sustain and comfort you now.
With Sympathy,
Gerda Kunkel and family
Scarborough, Maine
Deborah Campbell
June 17, 2015
My heart aches at your profound loss . I wish I had known Matthew. You are all in my prayers.
June 17, 2015
To the Butterfield family - our whole family has such fond memories of your Matt (I think the fact that we have a Matt, too, may have lead to the respective "Butter" and "Oak" monikers.) Endless games of whiffle ball and Capture the Flag in the backyard, etc. We are all so terribly, terribly sad and sorry, and are thinking of you all. Please know that your sadness is shared.
Karen O'Connor Kruse
Pat Schneider
June 17, 2015
Dear Cathy, Andy, Andrea and Margaret, Peter and I and all of our children are deeply saddened to hear of Matt's death. Peter and I will be at the memorial service, and Bethany would surely be there if she were not in England. With love, Pat and Peter Schneider.
bill Denardo
June 17, 2015
Tony, My deepest regrets. Our prayers are with your son
Connie Daniel
June 17, 2015
Tony and Cathy, I am so very sorry to hear of your loss! Please know you and your family are in my prayers. I hope that memories of your son will help you in your sorrow!
Jose Alves
June 16, 2015
Dear Tony and Catharine Butterfield, and family: I met Matthew at your home several years ago during a couple of memorable Thanksgivings and I recall him as profoundly human and warming. I feel heartbroken. My thoughts are with you. Love.
Charlena,Harry,Alex , Shayna Seymour
June 16, 2015
We thought the world of Matt. Loved his kindness and good natured ways. We are heartbroken . The Seymour family.
Amy Lashway
June 16, 2015
Mr and Mrs Butterfield, Andrea and Margaret, my warmest thoughts are with you all during this time. Matt has and always will be in my heart. All my love,
Amy
June 16, 2015
We wee so sad to see that Matthew died. Having lost a grandchild, we know how even more painful it must be to lose a chold.
Lynn and Joe Manko
Rick Adrion
June 16, 2015
We are so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in our thoughts. Rick, Jackie, Carrie (Serra) and Emily
Sarah Mount Elewononi
June 16, 2015
I am so very sorry to read this. Remembering the very hot day you all visited me and my parents just as Matthew was starting college. Holding you all in my prayers.
June 16, 2015
Matt was an extraordinary young man, now missed by so many. Special love and deepest sympathy extended to all, especially Kathy, Tony, Andrea and Margaret.
June 16, 2015
I am so sad for you. There are no words to express my sorrow. I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved son. Cathy Bennett
June 16, 2015
Dear Ones, My heart breaks for you. I know God is holding you and caring for you in this time of sadness. With so much love for you all, Mary Jane Disco
Laurette Simanski
June 16, 2015
Rest my friend, you left this earth way too soon before your job was done. You will be missed but never forgotten. You touched more lives than you ever knew. Godspeed my friend.
Laurie Murch Edwards
June 16, 2015
I am so very sorry for your loss, I remember Matt from my many sleepovers at the Butterfield house during my early teen years. I was so sad to hear of his passing.
Showing 1 - 30 of 30 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Butterfield's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Butterfield
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Butterfield's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
