Matthew Ford Schoerner

Matthew Ford Schoerner, age 30, of Torrington, CT, passed away suddenly on April 4, 2023. He was born August 29, 1992 in Hartford, CT, the son of Renee Murphy of Barkhamsted, CT and Gregory Schoerner of Torrington, CT. Matthew attended Litchfield schools and graduated from Litchfield High School in 2010, where he was a member of the crew team, the art honor society, and stage crew for the school's musical productions. Following high school, Matthew attended Northwest Connecticut Community College, pursuing his interests in writing and foreign language study. While at NCCC, he participated in the 2012 Mad River Literary Festival and had his poetry published in The Mad River Anthology.

In addition to his parents, Matthew is survived by his brother, Ryan Schoerner of Alexandria, VA, his sister, Kayla Schoerner of Boston, MA, grandfather, Daniel C. Murphy of Saratoga Springs, NY, as well as many aunts, uncles, and cousins. Matthew is predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Rudolph and Lois Schoerner of Narragansett, RI, and maternal grandmother, Kathleen Murphy of Saratoga Springs, NY.

From an early age, Matthew had a thirst for knowledge. He read and studied languages, geography, culture, science, and spiritualism. Matthew wrote poetry for which he received several awards. He played the guitar and loved listening to an eclectic mix of musical styles and artists. Matthew loved the outdoors; he and his father explored hiking trails year round all over the state. In warmer weather, he enjoyed kayaking on lakes in the area. Matthew was a kind and generous soul; he volunteered his time and energy to various organizations in the Litchfield and Torrington area. Despite his own struggles, he would always extend a helping hand to someone in need. People that knew Matthew described his thoughtful and giving nature.

One of Matthew's favorite places was the Murphy family home in Bonnet Shores, Narragansett, RI. As a child and adolescent, he spent summers there with his family and grandparents. This is the place where the extended family would gather to spend long days at the beach riding the waves, climbing the rocks at Wesquage, watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, and enjoying clam cakes and chowder at Champlin's.

The family would like to express their gratitude to all the staff at Western CT Mental Health Network in Torrington. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Wednesday, July 5, 2023 at 11:00am at St. Thomas More Church, 53 Rockland St., Narragansett, RI. A reception for friends and family will follow in the church hall.