Add a Memory
Send Flowers
Make a Donation
Matthew John Stanley
1952 - 2018
Matthew John Stanley
1952 - 2018
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1952
DIED
2018
Matthew Stanley Obituary
Matt's life was enriched by the love of family: his daughter, Summer Leigh Stanley and Matt's only grandchild, Amelia Pipkin; his brother, Danny Stanley, and his wife Annie and their children Mark and Chad, and Chad's wife, Kayela and their daughter, Kennedy; his brother Tim Stanley and his mother Georgia Stanley who passed away last year; his dear friend and "big sister" Sally Holderness and many other friends whom he loved. He is also survived by his wife Veronica and her son Michael.
Matt will long be remembered for his incomparable voice, tremendous talent and the pure joy which his performances brought to countless people over the course of his career. We will also always remember his immensely good and kind heart, great compassion and love for people and animals, sharp intellect and lightning- quick wit. Matt Stanley was truly "larger than life" in every respect and he will never be forgotten by all those who knew and loved him.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Nicki
October 5, 2022
Matt was so wonderful
To my husband who had Alzheimer´s. He played and sang Tom Jones for him. RIP Matt. Hope you are singing with the angels
Summer
June 18, 2022
Not a day goes by that my heart doesn´t ache for the loss of my father.
Thank you all so much for the continued sharing of experiences with Matt. It´s so incredible to read about the impact he´s had on so many lives. Please continue to share your memories of or with him if you stumble across this page
Joey Burns
February 23, 2021
Im still singing in Classic Rock bands: The Livin End & Florida Rock Zone thanks to Matt. He was playing in Coma at the Rock Casino and he invited my band, Tardy Afternoon, to come up and play a few tunes. We were doing all Originals and back in the mid 70's Clubs wanted Cover bands so that night won us a following and we were soon off & running. I'm so grateful to Matt for that opportunity. I saw Matt in the mid 80's out in Marina Del Rey playing with Skin Tight and he asked me to come up and sing with him. I was in the Navy with a bunch of my shipmates and Matt's graciousness proved to be another highlight in my life.
I think of you often Matt and you're in my prayers!
James
February 16, 2021
Wow! I looked up Matt’s name after all these years and here I am. So sad and so sorry for all the family and friends. This is a beautiful tribute.
I worked the door at The Red Onion in Marina Del Rey from 1986 to 1989. While all the cover bands that played round-robin were very good, Liquid Blue was the stand out. And Matt and Alan were the stand outs. They played every 4th or 5th week and they never disappointed. I have seen few people as talented and well rounded as Matt. To this day, the greatest harmonica player I have ever seen. Not to mention vocals, sax, flute. And what a funny dude. I wouldn’t say I was his friend, because we never hung out personally. But we did hang out many many times with our ‘Marina Crew’. Matt and I shared a love interest as well, who ended up being my girlfriend for 4 years.
A number of years ago I saw Alan Mirikitani at the Baked Potato. He didn’t recognize me, nor did I expect him to. I looked at him and said...Red Onion-Marina. He immediately lowered and shook his head while laughing. We shared a few memories and chuckles. A couple years later, he was gone :-( Great Cat! Amazing guitarist!
Those Red Onion years were some of the best and most memorable years of my life. I never got tired of watching Matt and his band perform. They were part of the musical tapestry of that time. And it was glorious. God Speed Matt!!
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.
Susan A
January 30, 2021
Hard to believe that it's been three years since you left us. "When the sun goes down, and the band won't play, I'll always remember us that way"... you're only a heartbeat away...
Karen Wilborn
October 2, 2020
Wow...... I had no idea you were gone, how sad. We had so much fun so long ago. Rest In Peace my friend. You are missed. Love Karen
Sciulli Sciulli
February 24, 2020
what a guy, one of the BEST friends I ever had
Susan
January 30, 2020
Matt, I still can't believe you're gone! I will always remember your laugh and your pensive eyes. You were a truly gifted singer, performer, musician; a poet, philosopher, goofball, athlete, teacher, friend, creator, speaker, listener, writer, and so much more! Your energy field was so strong that it remains with all of us who were lucky enough to know and love you. Words cannot begin to capture or define you. This world is a better place for having had you in it. You've touched so many lives.
Forever in my heart! Susan
January 30, 2020
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Brain Wolf
June 22, 2018
My name is Brian Wolf. I grew up with Matt in the 60s and 70s.We learned the harmonics of the flute and harmonica together. It was and will always be the best of the best time of my young life. Matt was truly a imaginaryman. We created riffs at 17 years old that were
amazing. Ian Anderson and the J Giles band was the mentors. Rest in Peace Matt please look over me on this beautiful earth. I have and will never forget you.
Marina Marciano
April 5, 2018
...Heidi, my sincere sympathy to you and Summer and the rest of Matt's family as this is such a difficult concept. I read the legacy pages and saw the photos which transport you right back to the live music and the amazing performances... It hardly seems real When Matt was rehearsing with Guido, Jimi and Vinnie in Guido's studio many years ago, he would bring Summer with him she was so little and such an adorable toddler! She would play with our 3 kids and they had a blast while the guys rehearsed! What struck me was that Matt was so vigilant, patient and loving to Summer. It was humbling to witness. He adored her!
God bless Matt, you, lovely Summer and that beautiful grandbaby, Amelia. There is a melancholy peace knowing that Matt's legacy will live on in the hearts of his family and friends.
Patricia Lawson
March 21, 2018
Matt. I remember going to one of your concerts with my dear friend who you married and then had an incredible sweet lovely daughter Summer; who now has a daughter Amelia. Such a talented, charismatic man, you had a way of making people feel comfortable around you. Stay rocking it in heaven.
Chris Autore
March 21, 2018
Chris Autore musician entertainer here. RIP Matt. I worked with Matt 1 time. Great voice. Nice personality. So sorry for the loss
&we were having the time of our lives babe!
Bob and Mitzie
March 21, 2018
A true bro! He was always ready to give it his all, to bare his soul and cheer you up with a joke when things might be down or not. I called him a bull as he always bounced back fairly quickly after many a hard night. We will always remember him and that warm unforgettable smile.
One of our many Duq n' Cover gigs!
Curt
March 19, 2018
Matt,
I've subconsciously or maybe consciously procrastinated coming to sign this guest book. It makes saying goodbye seem so final. I've always held onto some sort of hope and even had recurring dreams that we were playing music again. I remember the first time I saw you perform at the Marquee in Garden Grove, CA in the late 80's. I turned to my friend/guitarist Gregg and said "If we get this guy, we're goin' places. Shortly after that, you and I became friends, roommates and bandmates from approx 1990-1994 with the band Duq n' Cover. So many great times and memories playing hundreds of shows, writing songs, recording our CD together and just hanging out as friends. You were one of a kind with crazy amounts of talent and charismawhat a showman/performer! You're gone to soon, but never forgotten by me and all the lives you have touched along the way in this journey we call life. I'm certain you're at peace and probably causing some sort of trouble in heaven, lolUntil we meet againRIP Matt Stanley.
Out in front for Freewheel at the Agora Ballroom in Hallandale FL, sometime in 1979 or 1980.
Guy Meadows
March 19, 2018
Out in front for Freewheel at the Agora Ballroom in Hallandale FL, sometime in 1979 or 1980.
Guy Meadows
March 19, 2018
Out in front for Freewheel at the Agora Ballroom in Hallandale FL, sometime in 1979 or 1980.
Guy Meadows
March 19, 2018
Guy Meadows
March 19, 2018
I will always remember Matt as one of the most charismatic performers I ever had the pleasure of working with. He held a very rare level of musical talent and entertainer. He had a spark that attracted everyone to him.
Mark Hinderscheid
March 19, 2018
My name is Mark I played guitar in the band Figment in the late 70s into the early 80s... I met Matt at the Agora Ballroom in Hallandale, Fl after we opened for his band Free Wheel... We were so young.. Matt was older and certainly a seasoned live singer and performer.. He took us under his wing and made a very scary and nerve racking situation in to a very memorable experience...He seemed to own the place with his amazing vocal style.. I reconnected with him at a practice studio a few years ago and was fortunate to have him sing with me and my old band mates.. He still had his vocal chops for sure.. Now hes probably teaching the angels in heaven new vocal styles.. My heart goes out to his family and his daughter Summer..He will be missed.. Rest in Peace my Rock and Roll brother and save a seat for me...
Celebrating Matthew Stanley's big and colorful life with joy, tears, laughter and endless stories of his adventures. Matt, you left an indelible mark on each of our hearts and we will always miss and love you tremendously.
March 19, 2018
Cosette Kelley
March 19, 2018
I met you when I was so young, you were my first real artist friend. You inspired me more than you know. You were such a beautiful soul. It is so sad that you are gone but you will live on through Summer and Amelia, I know they will continue to bring you praise. Good bye old friend.
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
Best Daddy in the World
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
Heidi
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
March 18, 2018
Cheryl Kernan
March 17, 2018
Matt was my IT ...SO glad to be a part of his life and him be a part of mine. Love him.... always will. God bless his family
Joey Burns
March 17, 2018
Life journeys are many as they cross and sometimes linger. Memories last forever and some inspire and my musical journey had both thanks to you. Your influence lives on as I've thought of you when I perform for you were my mentor. More than ever, my music will take on a new meaning for you were the consummate performer and always gave it your best. Rock on Matt, you gotta a helluva band behind you where you're at! Gone but never forgotten, thank you
Angie O'Brien
March 16, 2018
The one and only Matt. I knew you best in the '70's when we first met. From the start you were something special. Besides that wonderful voice you had "that presence" that everyone wanted to be around. Smart, funny, such a good heart. Special memories from the L.A. days, when we all had such big dreams and had such good times. Those are among my best life memories. I'd have to say the love of your life was Summer. You loved that child above everything, she was treasured. All you wanted to do was sing and be loved and I think you achieved that. I wish you knew how many people loved and cared about you. There really are no words, my heart is breaking. Love you always, Angie
Ma Peg
March 15, 2018
I met you at Nad's house off of Ives Dairy Road in the 70's. Jake was the master of the house and the neighborhood stud. "Pull up a flea and sit down" Fiano once said. Great jams back then, though lost to the air like so many others.
We started a band shortly thereafter with a mellow bass player and a guitarist from the dark side who was ahead of his time. We hit the road as one of Johnny Grapevine's "acts in the hat" that he matched up with his "clubs in the hat", traveling together in my father's old '69 Mercury Colony Park Station Wagon. We roomed together, you taught me how to shave with shaving cream and a Gillette twin blade razor, and you gave me a nickname. We stayed in a hotel room in Fort Pierce where the water smelled like rotten eggs and my girlfriend back in Hollywood left me. We played pinball in between sets and tried to beat the other ones high score. Sometimes we'd forget the competition and tilt the machine just for laughs. We were together in Jacksonsville when I got my ear pierced with a sewing needle and a potatoe by the bass player's wife from Blackfoot. After a ten week stretch on the road we were beat and most of our gear was too, so we asked Johnny to bring us home. He sent us to Homestead! We were done with him and the band broke up not long after that. You bought my station wagon even though you knew I had never changed the oil. We played in different bands but remained forever friends. You moved to the west coast, but we were reunited for the first time in a long time at the first Sheila Witkin Memorial Reunion Concert.
That was the last time I saw you, and I'm grateful for that memory. After all those years had gone by, you smiled when you saw me and called me out by the name you had given me so long ago. I'll never forget you.
Who am I?
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
March 15, 2018
March 14, 2018
Gary Wayne
March 13, 2018
Every note I sing is a tribute.
Every Move I Make keeps you alive.
And every time we sang it was two brothers vocalizing.
When I sat and watched you was inspiring.
And the first time that we rocked the house I was just a kid
From that time I tried to do what the local Legend did
But I'm not the only one you inspired in your time
You'll be remembered in their souls as you will in mine
You've seen so many stages and you used them well
The side line laughter you provoked when you'd speak.
Now the Music rings out in silence but your Rhythm will keep driving on
Always enough to keep me tapping my feet.
My Friend , My Brother, My Teacher
Marah Snoeyink
March 13, 2018
Matt had the biggest heart. He did everything with passion and enthusiasm-- from singing and performing to bringing light and laughter with his big goofy personality. Matt was an amazing dad to Summer. He loved her with all his heart.
I miss you Matt! So much love, always. Marah
Summer Stanley
March 9, 2018
Oh man. What to even say Daddoo.
It was incredibly hard to bring myself to this page. To see pictures of you and how loved you were, are. You will forever be one of my favorite people. My top 3. The most important man in my life. I still cant believe that youre gone and I seem to miss you more and more every second of everyday as it continues to dawn on me. You never know when youre going to lose someone and I wish that I was able to tell you exactly how much I adore you but there were never enough words. How incredibly lucky am I to have a father like you, Matt Stanley. The best father a young girl could ask for. You taught me how to read even when I didnt want to and I won a ton of awards. You taught me how to tie my shoes and were incredibly patient with me when Id get upset because I couldnt do bunny ears. You taught me how to put my hair into a pony tail and I remember doing it for the first time in first grade while at school and I couldnt wait to get home to tell you and see how proud of me youd be. You taught me how to be tough and I began to love climbing trees, I was in that tree outside our house everyday and didnt even mind falling out of it sometimes or scratching my legs on branches. One of my favorite memories. You taught me to love the great outdoors.... whether it be fishing (catch and release) or going to the park to play softball. I thought it was so funny when the ball would hit you and youd laugh along with me even if you were mad (Id continue to try to do it). How wed go to the field where the Dolphins played. How youd pick me up and carry (run) me to the bathroom when I didnt think Id make it. How in the mornings before school, wed watch Barney and youd chase after me and tickle me when the I love you song played. I looked forward to that everyday. How much I adored when youd take me to watch you perform (especially in larger theatres) and how much I loved how much you loved performing. Youre my idol. Always a sight to behold while singing. Someone that I bragged to everyone about because I was so in awe by you and so proud to have such a talented father. You were my rock for so long and I always knew, especially as I got older that I could always call you and rely on you. I could always tell you anything and youd give me a completely honest and sometimes harsh response even if it wasnt what I wanted to hear. But oh dad, how I listened to you. How I took on every single thing you told me and how I respected your views and opinions. How I believed everything out of your mouth because I held you to such high standards. Youve always been so smart. A genius really. The last time we talked, I think I told you that I loved you atleast 3 times before we hung up and I will always be greatful for that. Im so glad you met your granddaughter and I wish you could watch her grow, that you could watch the mother I become and see the man that I someday marry but I know youre around. I can feel your presence sometimes even though I do wish it was all of the time. I love you Daddoo. Ill always love you and Ill always miss you for as long as I walk this planet. Thank you for everything youve done and for the person you were. The father that you were to me. It meant more than anything and I hope you knew that. You better be waiting for me when Im headed into the light old man. I love you.
Big Daddy's Homestead, FL Circa 1977
March 9, 2018
Ocean Mist Lounge, Fort Lauderdale Beach Circa 1076
March 9, 2018
Days Inn Orlando on the road Pain Circa 1976
March 9, 2018
March 9, 2018
Sally Holderness
March 8, 2018
"Little brother" I'm so sad you are not with us anymore but I'm so glad we had the last 20 years together. We laughed, we cried and I loved you so much. I feel so blessed to have had you in my life. Your talent was unbelievable, the flute, your harmonicas and your voice like an angel. We did our projects and now they are your legacy for your precious Summer and your grand -daughter. I know you are at peace now and that is somewhat comforting to the void of you not being with us on earth. I loved you with all my heart and soul and you will be in my heart forever. Until we meet again, I love you. Your "big sister"
March 7, 2018
Carol Saler
March 7, 2018
Enjoyed you at the Moose so sad to read this. R I p
March 7, 2018
Daniel Stanley
March 6, 2018
Matt
Still cannot believe I will never see you again on this rock, looking forward to the next time we meet.
As my older brother you were always my mentor and the person that I wanted to emulate at a young age.
You had an amazing life although never rich monetarily, you lived life to it's fullest and had riches that most could never understand. Your talent as an entertainer was amazing and so effortless, you touched so many each time you performed. I have to say that I am so blessed to have you, Tim and Chris as my brothers. One day we will all be united. As Dad Always said when we lost a ball game, a hundred years from know, we will never know the difference. Although we didn't say it enough we all truly loved each other. Until we meet again, all we are is dust in the wind.
Love Daniel
Joyce Langford
March 6, 2018
Gosh Matt sweetheart, you left way too soon and you will be so missed! We met when you were dating and later married to one of my closest friends. You were an awesome roomie, so funny, so charming... so freaking talented. Who doesn't love a crazy wry sense of humor combined with tell it like it is honesty! Then to top it off, you two had the coolest baby girl, who I'm sure you will be watching very close over now, along with your other dearest loved ones. May God bless you Matt and keep you close, and may you stay a music man in heaven so that we can all continue to enjoy the rhythm of your incredible soul.
March 6, 2018
Julianne
March 5, 2018
You will be missed Matt... last time I saw you was singing at Thai Spice a few years back BUT I have known you since the 80's!!!!! RIP and keep on singing and playing for all in Heaven... GOD BLESS YOU!!!!!
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
March 5, 2018
Joe Schneider
March 4, 2018
Matt we've known each other since the late 1970's. You always kicked butt on stage and on the racquetball court. We had a good time recording the Coleman song and singing together, at my 45th birthday party. I'm sure you'll be rocking into eternity. Your buddy, (as you always called me), Jo Jo. Joe Schneider
1981 Agora Ballroom
Jude Sciulli
March 2, 2018
To Smatt, the most charismatic person I ever met. True friends since the early 80's. Peace be with you...love ya
Charles
March 1, 2018
Matt, you and I never met but we have three incredible women in common. We each chose the same woman as our wife and I believe it safe to say she changed each of our lives. You and I are like relay runners in a race in that you originally carried the baton of loving and caring for Heidi and I then took that baton and I promise to finish the race as best I am able.
You were lucky enough to father Summer whom I have come to love as my own and here yet again is the passing of a baton and I will finish your race; our race. This is my solemn pledge and it is an honor.
Little Amelia is so special and I am so pleased you got to meet your grand daughter. I think she will make us all proud.
From what I have gathered, your talents were legendary and I truly wish I could have enjoyed them. You were loved undoubtedly more than any of us deserve and it is with that hope and promise I bid you Godspeed and look forward to the day you and I meet to reminisce about our shared, great race we ran for the very best reason of all. We loved someone really, really special.
March 1, 2018
"Smatt,"
Thank you for all the wonderful years we spent together and for all the love and laughter we shared. You gave me the very best gift I have ever received: Our beautiful daughter, Summer Leigh. You were an amazing, devoted, kind and loving husband and father and I will always be thankful to you. I know without a shadow of a doubt that God is holding you in His Arms right now and that you are at peace.
My Love Always,
Heidi
Showing 1 - 84 of 84 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Stanley'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 Stanley'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
