Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Matthew David LaPorte
1970 - 2011
Matthew David LaPorte
1970 - 2011
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1970
DIED
2011
Matthew LaPorte Obituary
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Bryan Lambert
May 22, 2011
Great person and exceptional guitarist. His music will be treasured by many. Matt is soloing on that great stage in the sky along with Stevie Ray Vaughn, Ronnie James Dio and Cris Olivia. We will miss ya bro.
Karsten -Gewitter- Lombard
May 19, 2011
Almost a month has passed, and i still don't want to believe it... But the world still keeps turnin, although you're no longer among us. Your spirit has touched the souls of many, and those who felt it will hang onto it. Immortality is a question of people remembering. Wherever you are, a part of you still remains here, in the hearts of the family, the friends and the fans. We miss you.
ward
May 19, 2011
You left for the gig too soon. Your talent, wit and good nature are somethings this world needs, however it is a better place because you left a fine mark. We all miss you.
ward
May 19, 2011
You left for the gig too soon. Your talent, wit and good nature are somethings this world needs, however it is a better place because you left a fine mark. We all miss you.
How you can show support
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Follow this page
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Jacky
May 16, 2011
Matt, what a pleasure it was to see you performing with Jon. I can't believe you are in heaven...Say hello to Criss, do a jam and send us a demo, please. RIP Matt. God bless you.
Samantha Simmons
May 14, 2011
Matt, you are a beautiful person, and talented musician and teacher. Thank you for sharing your knowledge and humor with me, your hammered dulcimer student; I'm forever grateful. I miss you, teacher and friend.
May 2, 2011
rip matt say hi to chriss for us :(
The Sun has set for you, now rest in peace Matt.
Dan Barry
May 1, 2011
Matt-I know that our careers took us in different directions, but the friendship remained...even stronger.I will always remember your laugh and how you made me laugh. Cruising around in the Malibu listening to Savatage as loud as it could go. I am still having trouble believing that I can't talk to you anymore brother. We were supposed to hook up and hang out like back in the day. How many hours we spent on the swingset at Taylor park. I know it's funny to think about now, but that was one of the many special things that you and I had in common. The memories just keep coming, and as bad as it hurts my heart to lose you forever, the memories save me. I love you Matt, you will truly be missed but never forgotten.
Glenn Cummings
April 30, 2011
Matt was an amazing talent... this is truly sad...
It was great to share the stage with you buddy!!
You will truly be missed.
The Glenn Cummings Band
Kerri and Dee Venoy
April 30, 2011
We will never forget you and you will always be in our hearts. Our prayers go out to Matt's family. RIP, Matt - you are missed.
April 30, 2011
Kathleen Holstead VeNoMm Records
April 30, 2011
"Im still trying to shake this feeling" very sad & upsetting, what a loss of a Wonderful,Unique,Exquisite,Talent...Going to miss your greeting, "hey you little Peanut! Come here "You will be missed by all of us Matt"
Zeke Zuclich
April 28, 2011
Matthew, you were my greatest inspiration. Your tireless dedication and commitment to excellence forever changed my view of what it means to be a "musician". I promise I will always remember, and I will do my part to keep that flame burning and pass it on to others as best I can - and I know that all the other artists whose lives you touched will do the same.
I miss you, I love you, I will always remember you. Rest in peace now and forever.
BBB
Diane Riggleman
April 28, 2011
My condolences to your family, friends, Kevin Rothney, and many more that will miss you Matthew, as I will. You gave so much back with your gift of music. Additionally,I was privilaged to have you as my guitar teacher!
For the common things- of everyday, God gave man words in a common way. But, for the heights and depths words cannot reach, God gave Matt music, the soul's own speech! You made the guitar sing Matt! Your music will be with us always! You are surely missed! Never a kinder, quieter soul...except when it came to your music! May your music soar on the wings of angels now! Always, Diane Riggleman
kristine ferrazano
April 28, 2011
All my love and prayer to Matt's family. Im in shock he is last person i would see here. Matt you are an awesome man and you did live to the fullest from what i remember you will always be in my heart
Vickie Rogers
April 27, 2011
Praying for your family & friends Matt. I remember you back in Big Brother days.
Thanks for making it easier when my son started playing with you guys. You were rather shy but played that guitar like no other. Michael always looked up to you. I know you'll be missed by so many. Now you're with the Lord Absent from the body; Present with the Lord. Amen!!!
Sandye ~
April 27, 2011
The best to the family RIP Matt
April 27, 2011
You inspired me with guitar, and 20 years later inspired my daughter with piano. Thank you for touching our lives in such a great way. Peace.
Brian Bearden
April 27, 2011
R.I.P. Matt touched a lot of people with his music....and will continue to do so from now on. Thanks for all the memories....
April 27, 2011
later my younger brother in christ
dana
April 27, 2011
later my younger brother in christ
April 26, 2011
I will cherish the good times from the years we spent together. I hope you find peace and contentment in the afterlife Matt. I always loved you.
Sharon Bloom
April 26, 2011
you were such an inspiration to the boys.....RIP
Frankie
April 26, 2011
Rock on eternally bro, peace forever!
henk dee
April 26, 2011
".....lets stay in touch!" your last words to me bro, "keep a rockin!" were my last words to you. rest in peace bro Henk
Mark Sade
April 26, 2011
Matt, I first met you when i was only 12 years old. I had very little musical ability. Week after week, from store to store and house to house, I followed you, hoping that your amazing talent and all around good-hearted nature would rub off on me. You formed me into the musician I am today, and have left your song in my heart, and the hearts of all who have met you. I love you brother and wish i had to chance to tell you, you've helped shape me into the man I am today. Thank you Matt for all you've done for myself and everyone you have ever inspired.
Karsten -Gewitter- Lombard
April 26, 2011
The loss is huge, but the memories are great!
Caught up with Criss 'n' Midnight already? Wherever you are, i hope you are at peace.
John
April 26, 2011
Matt,
I am still in shock.... You are a great friend that will be missed! You always made me laugh and you were always there for me. I will always remember our good times and your kindness. I miss you.
Bonnie McVee
April 26, 2011
Sharon, Larry and Laura,
My heart is heavy for your loss. Matt grew into quite a legend in his music,leaving behind so much for those who loved him. May God give you peace at this time. Love, light and healing to you all.
Susi Eggers
April 26, 2011
Matt rest in peace. You will be missed forever!
Andy Selden
April 26, 2011
R.I.P. Matt! My condolences to your family and friends who are missing you every second of every day!
Mike "The Metal Pete" McCollum
April 26, 2011
My condolences & prayers go out to family, friends & bandmates. The world will be a less fun place without Matt. Rest in Peace, Matt.
Annette Förster
April 26, 2011
R.I.P. Matt, you will be sadly missed and never be forgotten.... You are in heaven now with Criss, Greg, Midnight and your Dad..we`ll see each other again!
RIG
April 26, 2011
Hi MMMMMMMatt. We dont need words, isnt it ? I know how much u loved me and FAbio , and U know how much Fabio and me loved u
Penny Perry
April 26, 2011
My blessings go out to his family and friends.
April 26, 2011
joelle jones
April 26, 2011
Matty LaP--- You brought some sunshine in. Talented........your own being. I will think of you always. I hope you are tuning up with HD and CO...be at peace. I love you
April 26, 2011
Matt, I will Love you forever my brother! Your music has inspired me to be the best. You are the heart in metal. ROCK IN PEACE JFZ
Meltem ÖZKAN
April 26, 2011
R.I.P. Matt. My condolences go out to your family, friends and fans.
Michael Schilling
April 26, 2011
I was blessed to meet matt in 1994 when I joined the Big Brother Band. He always made me laugh. The jokes with me, you, & Dana Piper used to keep me in stitches. Matt you were amazing person & player. You'll always be in my heart, never to be forgotten. Much love & respect.
Tracey Shoemake
April 26, 2011
Matt...You will be forever in my heart & live on through your beautiful gift of music you left with us. You have one of the biggest hearts & sweetest soul. You were a true friend to many & will be truly missed. RIP my dear friend =)
<3 RIP
Kathleen Davis-Huckno & John Huckno
April 25, 2011
RIP Matt ? This is so sad. He was such a nice person, very sweet. Matt was my husbands first guitar teacher back in the day and he played acoustic guitar at our wedding in 1992(Here is Matt on our wedding day). Peace to you, your family, and many friends.
Randal Carter
April 25, 2011
I miss you my friend. With much love RIP
Kim
April 25, 2011
Matt was a Class Act and very Humble!
John Nardi
April 25, 2011
My most sincere condolences to all of Matt's family, and friends. Especially Jon Oliva, Kevin Rothney, Chris Kinder, Tom Mc Dyne, John Zahner, Jerry Outlaw, Jason Gaines, Zak Stevens, Mitch Stewart, and Shane French your closest bandmates. Keep it going guys your fans will always be here for you. I am sure Matt would have wanted you guys to continue the music. I know that he is jamming with Criss Oliva in a much better place.
Thank you for your contributions to the genre of music I love the most. Thank you for being a consumate professional, a gentle giant, and musical genius. You will be truly missed by all. Rest In peace metal brother till we meet again my friend.
-John Nardi (Ghost In The Ruins A Tribute To Savatage Lead Vocalist) from Chicago, Illinois
Kathy Malone
April 25, 2011
Matt,Have known you for many many years, it saddens and shocks me of your passing.RIP Matt.
Daniel Gava
April 25, 2011
Love his style, his music. Cheers from Brazil Matt ! be in peace.
Chris and Kwen Hendriks
April 25, 2011
Matt, giant of a mann with a good and kind heart. You will be missed and never forgotten
Barbara Teston
April 25, 2011
Your music will live on and you will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to Sharon and the rest of the family.
Scott Schlachter
April 25, 2011
My love and condolences go out to Matt's family and friends.
May God hold you gently in his hand as you celebrate the man, friend and artist that was Matt.
My memories of Matt are when he was a kid living in Minnesota. Determined, bright and funny. I mostly remember laughing with Matt. God Speed, my friend.
April 25, 2011
Matt, you have touched so many by your music and friendship! You will be greatly missed, but your spirit will forever live through your music and the memories that remain! Thank you for the blessings! Rest in peace Matt ~Christine Hueston
(Florida)
Chris Koser
April 25, 2011
Was touring in europe a few times with him.Great musician and buddy!!!Will miss you Matt!!!R.I.P.
Chris Koser Frankfurt/Germany
The clarksons
April 25, 2011
Matt you will be missed by so many. We loved you and very proud to be your friend for so many years.R.I.P. dear soul
Raymie
April 25, 2011
RIP Matt ... Cheers! to you in the skies above ...
Rachel Doll
April 25, 2011
RIP Matt. You will live on forever in your music and in the hearts of all that you've touched. You have left this place too soon but I trust that we will all meet again.
Tom Dhans
April 25, 2011
I met Matt a couple times and he was always kind and humble. I told him after his solos there should just be a pile of wood and metal with a hat on top. He played with such aggression and passion.
Jim Jewell
April 25, 2011
i met Matt a few times when he lived with Jerry. i even played his Tele a few times... its terrible to know hes gone. Matt was a cool guy. i feel awful for his family and for his close friends that will miss him forever. RIP Matt.
fabio fontana
April 25, 2011
Rest in peace my friend,was great be your friend and one honour work whit one artist like you!Thank you for all great time...
Matt you will live forever in my heart!!!!
Daniela
April 25, 2011
The band in the sky just got another great player to join the jam...
Twan van Gorkum
April 25, 2011
Rest in peace bro i'm glad i could call u my friend
"@ youre service"
Linda Nichols
April 25, 2011
I thank God that my son, Jerry was blessed to know Matt as the wonderful friend that he was and fellow musician. I know Jerry will have many great memories of the times and music they shared.
Patti Latham
April 24, 2011
No one left to sing my name repeatedly on my voicemail, when I would answer the phone, when we would see each other, or even after we had been hanging out for hours. You were such a good friend and wonderful person and I will treasure all the times we spent together. The girls and I miss you tremendously.....
Love you always,
Patti, Amber and Holli
Kelly & Scott Brien
April 24, 2011
Matt,
You were an awesome human being! Your musical skills are unbelieveable! The metal world will never be the same again! Keep rockin hard in Heaven w- Criss Oliva and RJD! You are painfully,deeply and sadly missed! You are forever in our hearts and thoughts! We love and miss you!
Steve Nealy
April 24, 2011
Though we never met, I'd like your family to know of the joy you brought to not just myself, but thousands of others, through your beautiful playing. Your memory and music will live on forever.
Rob Knesz
April 24, 2011
Rest in Peace Matt.. we only got to play together once. but I am glad we did.I know your in a better place brother playing that golden guitar!!!!!!
Jan Janvier
April 24, 2011
Thank you for being a friend and Great guitar player! I will surely miss touring with you!!
RIP, My Brother!!
rick boucher
April 24, 2011
Matt, sleep easy and go jam with all your hero's in heaven.
Rick Boucher
Matt Laporte
Angela van der Kreeft
April 24, 2011
Thank you for your music. Last saw you live on October 15th 2010 and I loved every note you played. :D
Ingo Joa
April 24, 2011
Matt LaPorte was one of those guys that I just had an instant connection with. We had such a great time, he is one of the nicest guys I' ve worked with. I have very fond memories of touring together. I will miss you...R.I.P. Matt.
Kay Delaney
April 24, 2011
Take comfort in knowing that now you have a special guardian angel to watch over you.
Pete & Marlee Gratta
April 24, 2011
Marlee & I were both saddened at the news of your passing. We've always thought the world of you & the time we worked together (back in the "Krunch" days) will always be special. Great times! R.I.P. my friend!
Todd Sabbides
April 24, 2011
It is tragic that you had to leave us so soon. I believe their is a better place and that you are there right now. I will miss you my friend. RIP
April 24, 2011
Thank you to the LaPorte family for sharing Matt with us. A gifted musician, composer, teacher and very funny man. I was blessed to have met, jammed and broke bread with him. I will forever be grateful to Jerry Outlaw for introducing me to this sweet bear of a man.
ward smith- st.pete
Robert Sellers
April 24, 2011
Matt . I am glad I got to meet you. He was a AWESOME Musician and will truly be missed. But you and your music will live on forever. R.I.P.
Jeff and Lori Andrews
April 24, 2011
You will be missed.
Tony Wise
April 24, 2011
bye Matty.
Danny "Gray" Grabill
April 24, 2011
Matt, your showmanship and remarkable guitar skills will be forever etched in the minds of all who saw you perform. It was a pleasure sharing the stage with you when my band would play at Gators on the Pass. Now you're playing with a band of angels...see you when I get there.
Tommy Douthat
April 24, 2011
Matt LaPorte joins the ranks of the great ones who have passed on. If there's a Rock-N-Roll Heaven, they gotta have a hell of a band !!!!
Tommy Roxx - BIG DEAL!
Kathi Randall
April 24, 2011
sadness over the loss of the very talented Matt. Sending love to his family and fans all over the world. That says a lot about a life lived with passion for his music. Sincerely, Kathi Randall
Aili Taber
April 24, 2011
Some stars in heaven look a bit brighter than the others some evenings as you look at them from here on earth... and some, very few of us, here on earth have a soul that shines so brightly they must have surely been borrowed from heaven. Matt was one of those souls. We were so lucky to have been able to stand so closely to his light. Maybe that is the reason our time seems to have been so short. My heart is with his family and friends in this time of great loss and sorrow.
Love, Aili
Peter John Kane
April 24, 2011
Heavenly Father, thank you for the pleasure of having met your child Matthew. I pray that you welcome him in your Kingdom and pray for his family and friends in their time of mourning. Rest in Peace Matt.
Ben Chafin
April 24, 2011
Matt, you will be truly missed by all of us whose lives you've touched.
Rest in peace my friend.
John & Billie
April 24, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are for Matt's family and friends. He gave so much to his music and friendships in such a short time with us. RIP Matt.
John D
April 24, 2011
Awesome musician, awesome person. You will be sorely missed... May you rest in peace
Denise Gerard
April 24, 2011
To the master, well miss hearing you play. You were the best. RIP.
Old Jerico Steel...1989
Nate Keefer
April 24, 2011
As I sit here, viewing all the videos of matt on you tube, and listening to all his tracks from JOP, and his personal ones I have recorded from him that he had sent me, and looking at pictures from way back , even in high school, and re-finding an audio recording thats 2 hours long of all of us in Doctrine, and John and the lot...all of us talking, and laughing, and telling stories about events that happened on the road, and even back when we played together in Jerico Steel in high school. I catch myself crying...hard at times...but how strange is it, that Im laughing at the same time? Yes, at times while listening, Im even smiling...I guess..this the prosess in healing....I still cant believe it...and to be honest, its been a very very long time, since Ive felt pain like this....sorry my friends, I have a hard time dealing with death....I cant help it. Im sad, and angry at the same time...I guess its just going to take a long while to heal....Im gonna miss you Matt,,,
April 24, 2011
R.I.P Matt (Gravy) You will truly be missed... not only as a musician but as a person and friend...
Patty Marker
April 24, 2011
I will miss you dearly Matt , I will never forget you and all the laughs and tears that we shared. You will remain in my heart and in my thoughts. Until I see you again my friend ,rest in peace.
Sam Chaput
April 24, 2011
Matt,
Much respect...
Peace to you and your family...
James Money
April 24, 2011
Love you Matt...keep it plugged in and turn it up to 11 brother!!
Michelle and Joe Koltay
April 24, 2011
It is with great saddness that we offer our condolences for the loss of Matt. He touched and influenced many with his talent. My husband and I have many great memories of Matt and his good deeds. He has reached his most important destination, "HEAVEN", where he will reside with JESUS and his loved ones, that preceded him. He will be performing for them and guiding us on our journey, as he awaits our arrival, to be reunited with us all. Until then he will be loved and missed.
Sarah Teets
April 23, 2011
Matt, you will be greatly missed by all in the music, metal and Savatage community. Thank you for sharing your talents over the years and bringing us some amazing music. It was an honor to meet you a few years back and I will never forget the opportunity I had to share the same stage on the same night.
Joseph Bloom
April 23, 2011
May you rest in peace, Matt. Thanks for those who you touched in your playing and your teaching. You will bwe missed.
Showing 1 - 93 of 93 results
13401 Indian Rocks Road, Largo, FL 33774
Make a Donation
in Matthew LaPorte's name
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 LaPorte'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
