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Matthew Growhoski Obituary

Matthew Growhoski

Northampton, MA — Matthew T. Growhoski, age 52, died unexpectedly on May 5, 2022 in Suffield, Connecticut. Matthew was born in Northampton, Massachusetts on November 23, 1969, the son of Thomas M. and Sarah J. (Barry) Growhoski. In addition to his parents, he leaves his brother, Michael Growhoski and his sister, Mary (Molly) Growhoski, both of Northampton. Matt is greatly missed by his family whose lives he always made interesting.

Matt is remembered by his colleagues as a wonderful person as well as a talented historian. Matthew's interest in history led to wide ranging travels. His life was blessed with friends from coast to coast in America, and abroad. Matt's sudden passing leaves an emptiness in the hearts of his friends and family.

A scholar, Matthew earned his Degree of Bachelor of Arts with Honors in History from Wesleyan University in 1992 and his Master of Arts Degree in History from University of California, Riverside in 2007. Matthew was granted a Doctor of Philosophy in History from Princeton University in 2015. The title of his dissertation was "The Secret History of a Secret War': John Barclay, His Satyricon, and the Politicization of Literary Scholarship in Early Modern Europe. 1582-1621."

Matthew concentrated his studies in early 17th Century English history conducting research in the libraries of London, Paris, Venice, Rome and the Vatican. He also held research fellowships at the Huntington Library in San Marino, California and the Folger Institute in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Matt studied at the Herzog August Library in Wolfenbüttel Germany.

From 2016 to 2018, Matthew was a postdoctoral researcher and lecturer at Vanderbilt University. He was also an adjunct lecturer at the University of California, Riverside.

His journeys, outside of educational pursuits, ranged from a trip to Poland, where he visited the shrine of the Black Madonna: Our Lady of Czestochowa, to a trip to Sydney, Australia, where he attended the 2000 Summer Olympics.

He leaves his uncles, aunts and several cousins from his mother and father's families.

Matthew was teaching at Suffield Academy at the time of his death. He leaves many friends in Northampton, Suffield, Los Angeles, San Francisco and Riverside.

The family requests that In lieu of flowers, gifts be made in the name of Matthew T. Growhoski to the History Graduate Student Travel Award care of UC Riverside Foundation, PO Box 112, Riverside CA 92502.

The private Liturgy of Christian Burial was held at Our Lady of the Valley Parish in Easthampton with burial at Saint Mary's Cemetery in Northampton. The Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 18 Adams Street, Easthampton was honorably and proudly entrusted with providing for Matthew's care and services. Please visit, rwgrahamfuneralhome.com for online condolences.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Daily Hampshire Gazette on May 23, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Growhoski

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Alex Dering

September 2, 2022

I worked with Matt during his table-waiting days in Northampton, and then stayed in touch when we both ended up in the Princeton area.
I just found out today, and I'm still so shocked and saddened. He was such a genuine, likeable person. I'd google him about once or twice a year just to check up on where he was, and I saw that he'd recently started with a school in Connecticut. I was so happy for him.
My condolences. I'm so sorry.

Edwin Zieminski

June 25, 2022

Tom, I was researching to see if any obituary was published on John Tenczar and I came across your last name and I knew there was a high possibility that it was someone related to you. Matthew is about 5 months older than my son. I see that Matt taught at Suffield Academy which borders my grandfather's tobacco farm. His academic credentials are very impressive and I also have an interest in history which I wished I had an opportunity to attend a lecture by Matt. I am so sorry for your lost. The band I worked (Right Now Sounds) all 5 are still alive and in Sept all will be 80 or more and 3 members lost children several years ago. Extend my sympathies to the Mrs.

Elizabeth (Betty Prokup) Marks

June 1, 2022

To the family of Matthew - Tom & Sally, please accept my sincere condolences on the loss of your Son. Betty (Prokup) Marks - Georgetown, TX.

Troy Tice

May 25, 2022

I first met Matt at the prospective students´ day at Princeton. At the time, I was fresh out of college and a bit intimidated by brilliance of Princeton´s faculty and students. Matt made me feel at ease right away. Over the next few years, he became almost a big brother to me. After he left for California, we rarely saw each other, but Matt never stopped sending me emails to crack me up or reaching out to chat from time to time. In a touching gesture, he sent my daughter a snowman plush toy after he found out she liked a snowman she saw in a cartoon. I miss Matt terribly, but I believe he is a better place. In the words of the most famous play from the Elizabethan and Jacobean era that Matt loved:
"Now cracks a noble heart. Good-night, sweet prince; And flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."

Rebecca Wade Lang

May 24, 2022

So stunned and sad to hear this news.
Such an accomplished man. Pat and I send our deepest sympathies.

Amy Mathers

May 24, 2022

I am so sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. My sincerest condolences to all of you. My thoughts are with you during this difficult time.

Joe LoBello

May 24, 2022

My deepest sympathy for your loss.

Alice and Richard Szlosek

May 23, 2022

We truly sympathize with your tragic loss.

Mary Jekanowski

May 23, 2022

So sorry to hear of Matthew's passing. My prayers are with you in this time of sorrow.

Steve Zavisza

May 23, 2022

So very sorry for your loss. My deepest sympathies.

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Funeral services provided by:

Graham Funeral Home & Cremation Services

18 Adams Street, Easthampton, MA 01027

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