Matthew Porter

1970 - 2020

Porter, Matthew C.

SAN DIEGO - With deepest sorrow, the family of Matthew C. Porter, age 50, of San Diego, Calif., formerly of New York City, Madison, Wis., and East Lansing, Mich., sadly announces his death due to a heart attack while visiting friends in Brooklyn, N.Y., on Oct. 26, 2020. Matthew was born Oct. 1, 1970, in Lansing, Mich., to Susan and Andrew Porter.

Matthew was joined in his final hours by his family and many of his closest friends who came from far and near to be with him. His passing is a shocking, profound loss to all who knew him and there were many. We are grateful for all the ways he impacted our lives with his keen mind, many talents and, especially, his generous, loving heart. His passing leaves us all heartbroken.

Matt was blessed with exceptional abilities; a master of words and music, he had an insatiable appetite for learning and an adventurous spirit that encouraged all who knew him to explore, learn and be open to new ideas and experiences. Never boastful, he was shy about his talents, humble, crediting and praising others for their kindness, abilities and accomplishments.

Matthew accomplished many things during his lifetime. Always a gifted academic student, he graduated with honors from University of Michigan, followed by Ph.D. in clinical psychology from The New School in New York with a dissertation frequently cited in JAMA.

A classically trained pianist, Matt performed with passion and was impressive to all who had the pleasure of hearing him play. His concerts were included in the Zoom Memorial honoring his life.

As a gifted linguist fluent in many languages and an avid global traveler Matt was hired by the UN and served two years in the Peacekeeping Force in the Bosnian War. He was a yoga instructor, highly spiritual and loved his church.

A Fulbright Scholarship winner doing groundbreaking comparative research in Brazil, Matt continually amazed everyone.

At the time of his death Matt was a much loved and admired psychology professor at Alliant International University in San Diego, Calif. He leaves behind deeply saddened faculty, staff and students.

A list of his accomplishments is long and impressive. But the greatest of all was his beautiful heart, his ability to passionately love and be loved by his large family and circle of friends. He was the favorite uncle, the deep thinker, serious and silly, thoughtful and thought provoking, intense. We are better because of Matt.

He was a great friend who cared deeply about people. He was warm and caring. Passionate. Extremely funny and mind-bogglingly smart.

Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents, Dorothy and Paul Foster, Tucson, Ariz., and Grace and Burt Porter, Terre Haute, Ind. Matthew is survived by his spouse, Elvis; parents, Susan Porter, Madison, Wis., and Andy Porter (Laura), Landenberg, Pa.; siblings, Anna Lukosus (Eric), John Porter (Chelsea), Joe Porter, Kate Porter (Aaron Freis) and Grace Porter; many loving aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and too many wonderful friends to list.

An outdoor gathering will be held when weather and COVID permits.