Brian Early MATTONE

MATTONE Brian Early, 40, of Lexington, KY, passed away Wed, May 2, 2012. Born Sep 1, 1971 in Richmond, VA. Brian was the son of Frank Michael Mattone and Ermina Darnell Mattone. He was the grandson of Mrs. Frank Constantine Mattone and the late Mr. Mattone, and of the late Dr. and Mrs. Matthew Cotton Darnell, Jr., all of Lexington. A member of the Cathedral of Christ the King, Brian was a long-time resident of Lexington and graduated from Lexington Catholic High School. He belonged to Delta Tau Delta fraternity at Florida State University, where he graduated in 1993 with a degree in Political Science. He was awarded a law degree from the University of Kentucky College of Law in 1997. Brian developed an interest in law early in his educational career. During summers from 1990 through 1994, he worked as a Criminal Court Clerk and Civil Court Clerk with the Fayette District Court, and subsequently as a summer associate with the law firm of Greenbaum, Doll and McDonald in 1995, and with Vimont & Wills in 1996. Brian found the challenge of trial law had an irresistible appeal. Following law school graduation and admission to the Kentucky Bar in 1997, he joined the Fayette Commonwealth Attorney's Office as an Assistant Commonwealth Attorney, where he worked as a criminal prosecutor for 8 years. He committed his life's work to the pursuit of justice. In September of 2006, Brian was named the First Assistant Fayette County Attorney and worked with the Honorable Larry Roberts. In this role, Brian supervised and assisted prosecutors in preparing and trying cases, and carried administrative and personnel management responsibilities. He remained affiliated with the University of Kentucky College of Law and taught courses as an adjunct professor. Brian also initiated a Fayette County driver-education program, which taught defensive driving techniques and strategies to teenagers. Brian served on the Clean Indoor Air Partnership at the University of Kentucky College of Nursing and was an active member of the Kentucky Bar Association. He gave numerous presentations to Lexington civic associations, including the Lions Club, the Rotary Club, the AARP, Business Lexington, and several Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government departments. He was a volunteer in the Fayette County Attorney Mentoring Program at Booker T. Washington Academy, where he worked with a 5th grader and special friend, Tristen. Brian thrived on a challenge and was constantly active. He enjoyed cooking, home improvement projects, outdoor sports including running and cycling, and helping neighbors with their own projects. He was a devoted University of Kentucky sports fan and loved tailgating and attending UK football and basketball games. In addition to his parents, Brian is survived by his brothers Matthew Armon Mattone (Stephanie) and Michael Darnell Mattone, and his sister Mary Hallam Coleman Randolph Mattone Barton (Christopher). He also leaves behind his adoring nieces and nephews, Ella and John Barton, Tony and Sophie Mattone and his loyal dog, Max. Brian will be remembered by his family, friends, and colleagues for his quick and easy humor, his charismatic personality, and his dedication to helping others. Brian's life exemplified one of his favorite quotes by Abraham Lincoln: "And in the end, it's not the years in your life that count. It's the life in your years." Visitation will be 5-8pm Tue, May 8, at Milward Funeral Home - Broadway. Funeral services will be at 11am Wed, May 9, at the Cathedral of Christ the King. Contributions are suggested to The Lexington Humane Society, 1600 Old Frankfort Pike Lexington, KY, 40504; The Kentucky Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, Funderburk Building, Eastern Kentucky University, 521 Lancaster Ave., Richmond, KY, 40475; and The Fraternal Order of Police, 1097 Duval St., Lexington, KY, 40515. www.milwardfuneral.com