It is with sorrow and love that we share the news of the passing of Matthew R. Sportelli, who passed on Thursday, December 1, 2022 at his home in Southington, CT. Matthew died peacefully, surrounded by his family. He is survived by his wife Elaine (English) Sportelli, his daughter Jayne Sportelli, his son Paul Sportelli, his sister-in-law Phyllis English, his son-in-law Richard Dillon, and his son's partner Jay Turvey. Matthew was born in Bristol on April 29, 1930, and lived most of his life in Bristol. He is the son of Anna and Anthony Sportelli, and the brother of Anita Sportelli, all of whom pre-deceased him. Matthew and Elaine were married in 1955, and happily celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on August 6, 2022. Matthew attended Bristol High School and received his Bachelors and Masters degrees from the University of Connecticut. He served as sergeant in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict. Known by friends and colleagues as Matt, he taught in the Bristol Public School system for decades where he inspired many students in math and science. He also created and taught a city-wide program for gifted students in the 1970s. Matt was an avid golfer, gardener, and traveler. He was a wonderful husband, father, teacher and friend. He will be greatly missed and always remembered. Funk Funeral Home, 35 Bellevue Ave., Bristol has the honor of serving Matt's family. All services will be private. If you wish to remember Matt, you can make a donation to the St. Jude Children's Research Hospital: ALSAC/St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105. To leave an online condolence please visit Matt's memorial page at www.FunkFuneralHome.com

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Published by Hartford Courant on Dec. 8, 2022.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Sportelli

Sponsored by the family.

10 Entries

Janice Capodi

December 2, 2024

A year has passed and yet it seems like yesterday we were visiting and having dinner together. He was a special man...a great educator and amazing friend. He is truly missed.

Janice Capodi

December 1, 2023

We miss Matt....a lifetime friend of my parents and a close friend of mine as I've known Matt and Elaine since I was a little girl. His wit and knowledge were fun to experience. Matt...I know you are there. I hope you are teaching all your heavenly friends and relatives a thing or two!

Lisa Berelson

December 28, 2022

Matt was a treasure and one of a kind, a warm, kind and good hearted person. He was my dads best friend and over the years became mine as well. Ever the confident, I could always count on him for a funny story and insightful observations. My deepest condolences to Elaine, Jayne, Paul and the entire family.

Irma

December 11, 2022

Matt I will miss you. Thank you for being so kind to me

Vickie Culligan

December 9, 2022

My deepest heartfelt condolences to Elaine, Paul, and Jayne. I will always have the fondest memories of Matt.
Sending my love and prayers, Vickie Gerard-Culligan

Bob Calcinari

December 8, 2022

It was pleasure knowing Matt through our Nielsen Golf League, we shared great conversation and alot of laughs. May you rest in peace my friend. Bob Calcinari

Arthur Taylor

December 8, 2022

I was honored to meet a great friend since 2006.We shared a lot of good times and he will certainly be missed by many.

Janice Provenzano Capodi

December 8, 2022

My heart breaks for Elaine, Jayne and Paul and family with Matt's passing. My parents, Nick and Jeannine Provenzano and I have had the pleasure of spending time over the years. Teaching, Civic Theater and many dinners and visits shared over the last decade and beyond. He was a joy to be around....kind and smart with a great sense of humor. There isn't anything he would not do for his family...with that I think these words say it all....
When I go,
don´t learn to live without me,
just learn to live with my love,
in a different way.

And if you need to see me,
close your eyes,
or look in your shadow,
when the sun shines,

I´m there.

Sit with me in the quiet and you will know,
that I did not leave.

There is no leaving when a soul is blended with another.

When I go,
don´t learn to live without me,
just learn to look for me in the moments.

I will be there.