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Matthew James Evangelist
Matthew James Evangelist
Obituary
Guest Book
Matthew Evangelist Obituary
Matt touched many lives throughout his careers in bartending, teaching, coaching and sales. But Matt's greatest passions in life were friends, family and football. He was the quintessential family man who never missed a family function. His biggest passion was being a father. When Matt was not working, he was spending time with his kids watching them play or helping to coach his son's football team. He was well known for his calming nature and would always be a voice of reason or offer encouraging words to anyone who met him. He was reliable not only to family, but his whole network of friends who eagerly cheered him on during his brave battle. His involvement with the community included helping to coach youth football as well as other sports. Matt encouraged many young children to be the best they could not only in sports, but in life. For many years Matt organized the annual Shriners Hospital Toys for Tots Drive. The world was a better place because of his actions. Matt was well known for his quick wit and infectious smile which lit up any room he entered. He will be greatly missed.
Family, friends, fellow coworkers, coaches, players, teammates, and all who loved Matty are invited to celebrate his life on Saturday February 20th from 9 AM to 10:45 AM in Christ the King Church, 3252 Chesterfield Road and attend his funeral mass which will begin at 11 AM. Matty's interment will be held privately.
If you plan on attending Matty's life celebration please wear your mask and remain socially distant. Matty's family totally understands if you'd prefer to just share your fondest memories below on Matty's obituary page or Facebook or message the family directly and not attend his funeral, they'll just see you in the coming months or this summer.
In lieu of flowers, let's continue to honor Matty's legacy and life and spread your love and generosity to his children by visiting ME19.
Arrangements by John J. Barnes, Supervisor - McCafferty Sweeney Slabinski Barnes Funerals and Cremations of Torresdale Avenue, 215.333.0500. For further information please visit PhillyFunerals.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Curt Mckee
February 9, 2024
Matt and I became friends in 1976 when we played for frankford boys club, we where on the 65 pounders , a true beautiful person Matt was , he was a gift to all that knew him , we miss you buddy
Anthony & Joan Passamante
February 9, 2022
The Evangelist family is still in our daily prayers and thoughts,RIP cousin.
March 6, 2021
Played one year with Matt up the northeast won the championship by beating anthony's cafe in rough touch but what I remember most is how much everyone respected Matt up there such a nice guy an of course he was the quarterback on are team he had a great presence about him god bless his family Jeff from port richmond
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Edward Jankauskas
March 4, 2021
My condolences to the Evangelist family. Matty was a postal customer of mine in Tacony. I always loved his friendly manner and attitude about life. He would always invite me to Harrington's to have a couple of beers where he worked. He even chased me down to give me his Christmas present. I never forgot him even in retirement. May God bless him forever.
Kristin Zarzecki
February 20, 2021
Sorry for your loss. In my prayers and thoughts.
Denise wray
February 20, 2021
Remembering Matt and the fun childhood we shared, always enjoyed running into you from time to time. You’ll always be my all time favorite quarterback!
Sending lots of love to your family.
He will always be loved and missed.
Denise Wray
Kevin Kulp and family
February 20, 2021
Our deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences
Melissa fox
February 20, 2021
Thanks Matt
For being a beautiful person on the inside and out!
Deepest sympathy
To Matt’s Family and Friends
Melissa Fox
RICH CARL (STINER)
February 20, 2021
SO SORRY TO HEAR ABOUT MATTY'S PASSING..MUCH, MUCH TO SOON FOR SUCH A GREAT GUY. MY PRAYERS GO OUT TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND ALTHOUGH I HADN'T SEEN HIM FOR SOME TIME, HE WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED BY ME AND ALL THOSE WHO WERE FORTUNATE ENOUGH TO KNOW HIM. R.I.P MY FRIEND.
Connie Kilgarriff
February 19, 2021
Probably each other’s first friends. Grew up a couple houses up from Matt on Harrison St. I still remember us and Patty Bispels playing together and still possess pictures of us. I was so sad when we moved out in summer of 1976 but was lucky enough to keep in contact with Matt organizing football games with Matt with my new neighborhood against old Frankford guys. Life came full circle in H.S. when Matt and I played opposite one another in City football All star game. It was so great. Got to see Matt and hang with him on some occasions later. Still the same, the greatest. He was always so much joy to be around. Always just such a great guy. So devastated to learn of his struggles with covid and ultimate passing. I just wish the best for his wife and children moving forward! I’m so sorry!!
Missy Dimitri Zavatsky
February 19, 2021
Sending heart filled condolences to Karen,Matthew, Jenna and the entire Evangelist & Boss families. I was very fortunate as well as MANY others to have known such a special person. Matt will be GREATLY missed! May your faith & the love of your family & friends give you the strength you need & may Matt's memory never be forgotten
Curt mckee
February 19, 2021
Matt was the salt of the earth and a beautiful person and great friend he will be missed
Curt mckee
February 19, 2021
Matt was the salt of the earth and a beautiful person and great friend he would be missed
craig leva
February 19, 2021
I got to know Matt well from Harrington's. I am the coach of their Women's Softball Team. We became friends instantly. We went back to Harrington's many times when he was working. Myself and our team created a bond with him, We had so much in common, and I always looked forward to seeing him. Everyone knows what a great guy he was. His smile could light up a room, and he was so loved by so many. Sending my thoughts, prayers, love, and so many wonderful memories to Matt's wife, children, and his entire family and all of his many, many friends. God Bless. Love, Coach Craig aka "Goose" ( to Matty )
Tim Kelly
February 18, 2021
So sorry to hear about Matts passing after his long battle. My prayers and thoughts are with his family. Havent seen Matt since playing football at Frankford HS with him. Always enjoyed talking to him and he always had a smile on his face. May he rest in peace.
Durso Family
February 18, 2021
Though we need to weep your loss, You dwell in that safe place in our hearts, Where no storm or night or pain can reach you Let us not look for you only in memory, Where we would grow lonely without you. You would want us to find you in presence, Beside us when beauty brightens, When kindness glows And music echoes eternal tones.
Timothy Maher
February 17, 2021
God bless you all, Matt was a great kid, and one hell of a football player!
Anthony & Joan Passamante
February 17, 2021
We just learned of your terrible loss ,deepest condolences to all his family. We had been praying constantly for his recovery but it was not to be.RIP cousin
Charles Furdella
February 17, 2021
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Kathleen Huebner
February 16, 2021
My most sincere condolences to the entire family. He passed at far to young an age. I am sure you are all devastated. My thoughts and prayers are with you all. Kathy Huebner, Tucson, AZ
Will Patrone
February 16, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear about Matts passing. I was in his company a few times , and talked to him as well about anything . And let me say this Matt was a guy that everyone could get along with. Fun, understanding, a great conversationalist and a very good athlete. A true people person. His passing puts so much hurt in so many hearts. He will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to his wife and children and family. May he Rest In Peace
Will Patrone
February 16, 2021
I’m so sorry to hear about Matts passing. I was in his company a few times , and talked to him as well about anything . And let me say this Matt was a guy that everyone could get along with. Fun, understanding, a great conversationalist and a very good athlete. A true people person. His passing puts so much hurt in so many hearts. He will be missed terribly. My heart goes out to his wife and children and family. May he Rest In Peace
Dana
February 16, 2021
I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family now and always. Matt was the sweetest man and will definitely be missed
Dana Dallas
February 16, 2021
Matt was the sweetest man and will definitely be missed. I am so sorry for your loss and my thoughts and prayers are with you all now and always
joseph lynn
February 16, 2021
Sorry For Your Loss.
Fitz
February 16, 2021
My condolences to the Evangelist family. Matt is one of the best people I've met. Matt is the definition of the word 'gentleman'. Even though he's no longer with us physically, Matt will live on in the hearts and minds of a lot of people. RIP
Jannine Spengler
February 16, 2021
God Bless you Matt
RIP Uncle Matt.
Felicia Evangelist
February 16, 2021
February 16, 2021
I'm so sorry for the loss of one of FKD Best! I've known Matt since 4th grade. Edmunds school yard. Hanging with the rest of his crew. His personality was infectious. His smile made your day! And his jokes were the funniest! If they weren't about you. Matt has always been an all around genuine guy. Loyal to all the people who he called friends! He loved his family! And his friends! He loved coaching the kids, bartending, because Matt was a true people person!
Back in the day at the Frankford carnivals, Matt loved to take your money when you played the money game! I think they put him in charge for a good reason. I went broke every year! But it was well worth every penny!
He was a huge part of the Frankford boys club! He was always kind to me. And over the years I would take a road trip back to Philly. The first time I got back in touch with Matt was at the red rooster. And then again at Lazy Joe's. Cracking jokes as fast as he cracked open beers.
You will never be forgotten. You will be deeply missed by so many.
Rest easy my old friend. I know you will continue to watch over all of those who loved you and some.
My Thoughts and Prayers are with the Evangelist family and the FKD CREW!
With deepest sympathy
Jannine Perry Spengler
Lesa Iovine
February 15, 2021
I'm deeply sorry for your loss of a Great Man
His Smile was very contagious. Anytime that I had seen Matty E at one of the Bars he tended he always was alot of fun and made the whole room laugh.I didn't know Matty E as well as his many many Great Friends but he always made me feel like I was one of his long time friend.
Heaven now has another Awesome Angel. Look down on your Family and Friends Matty E.and show them you are with them.That is a Big Job but nothing you can't handel.
RIP Matty E.
Prayers for the Family.
Susan Spires
February 15, 2021
Karen, Jenna & Matthew, I am so sorry to hear about Matt. I hope you can find peace in the memories you have made.
With deepest sympathy,
Susan Spires
Ryan Quigley's Nana
There are not enough words to explain the loss of a beautiful soul. =*<br />Matt was loved by very many and will be sorely missed.=*=™<br />Keep your memories close to your heart.<br />Lean on your family. Help his wife and children thro
Miriam Clegg
February 15, 2021
There are not enough words to explain the loss of a beautiful soul.
Matt was loved by very many and will be sorely missed.
Keep your memories close to your heart.
Lean on your family. Help his wife and children through a pain no one should endure.
Together, you will be Matt's driving force here on earth as he will watch over you.
Look for his signs. They will be everywhere.
All of my love, prayers and condolences to the Evangelist family.
Paul McCarthy
February 15, 2021
God Bless you Matt. It was great seeing you at the shore. I will always cherish those Frankford days & Frankford boys club, & H.R.Edmunds School days. May God wrap his arms around your wife & Children during this difficult time. Fly high Matt. R.I.P.
Joan
February 15, 2021
Matt, I can’t find the words. I’m devastated for you and your family. I’ve been praying to your mom since I heard you were sick, and I’ll continue to pray for your wife and children to ease their grief.
February 15, 2021
Matt I will always rememberu and Steve quarterback and receiver what great memories . You were a very faithful man and a good guy. I will keep praying for you and your wife and children and all your family. I am so sorry to famiky I am sure you will live on in many hearts. Giver them strength. Sincerely Tracy Kuhn
Michael McCollum AKA The Biscuit
February 15, 2021
I met Matt through Frank Waldimate years ago. Through those years, Matts smile and personality was something I enjoyed seeing whenever we met. Matt was special and I'll miss that smile and all the laughs. God bless pal. My thoughts and prayers are with the family.
Virginia Szychulski
February 15, 2021
What a gracious young man that we were so honored to know through our son Matthew Szychulski. Watching the two of them on the football field and on the baseball diamond were memories of such joy I will never forget. He blessed our life with his charasmatic charm.Rest in peace knowing you have touched many with your life here on earth.
Larry Vogt
February 15, 2021
So very sorry to hear of his passing. A true gentleman and excellent bartender. .prayers to the family. ..will be sure to have one for you this day...
February 15, 2021
I absolutely love Matt! The smiles the giggles and the stories will forever be in my heart. Karen, Jenna little Matt and all of the Evangelist family will always be in my prayers.
Patricia (Trish) Evans
February 15, 2021
Matty was a truly nice man. I'm glad I was able to get to know him the last couple of years. He was my relief on Saturday nights at The Red Rooster. When Matty would show up for his shift, he was just so sweet. Had a smile on his face and he was just such a nice asset to our establishment. I really liked him. He will be missed by all who knew him. My condolences to his family and friends. God bless. Rest easy Matt. You fought so hard.
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6126 Torresdale Avenue, Philadelphia, PA 19135
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