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Matthew Burkett Obituary
Dec 5, 1988 - Dec 1, 2011
Matthew (Matt) Richard Burkett beloved son and brother went home to be with the Lord on December 1, 2011. He will be missed as he was a great joy to his family and many friends. Matt was born December 5, 1988 in Modesto, Ca. He attended Our Lady of Fatima School, Somerset Middle School and Central Catholic High School. He graduated from Grace Davis High School in 2007. Matt continued his education at Modesto Jr. College.
Matt leaves behind: his parents Richard and Robin Burkett, his brother and best-friend Justin Burkett, grandparents Bob and Ann Burkett and Wayne and Connie Black, and many uncles and aunts: Rob Burkett (Dianne), Susan Krukiel (Dee), Julie Ibanez (Moe), Dewyn Roberts (Mike), Carrie Bettencourt (Brian), Joelle McCarthy (Francis), Dana Muir (Scott), and fifteen cousins. Matthew is preceded in death by his beloved grandmother Elaine Burkett.
Matt had a smile that could light up a room, and a heart of gold. Matthew truly loved all and befriended many. Matt's true love of his life was his girlfriend, Ashley Nelson. Matt and Ashley shared the love of sports, traveling and many happy memories in the last two years.
Matt was an avid sports fan, with a great love for the San Francisco Giants and 49ers, as he watched and attended many games. Matt also had many sports accomplishments. He was a gifted athlete who played soccer, football and baseball. He was a member of the Bel Passi thirteen year old State Champion baseball team. Matt was also a member of six section championship teams; three baseball and three football at Central Catholic High School. Matt went on to be a kicker for the Modesto Junior College football team and was a member of one Conference Championship, and two Graffiti bowl Championship teams. Matt was named to the first team All WAC Conference as a kicker, as well as first team all section kicker.
Matt will forever be loved and missed by his family, girlfriend and friends.
Visitation will be held on Friday, December 9, 2011 from 4:30pm until 6pm at Franklin & Downs McHenry Chapel. A rosary will follow at 6pm on Friday at the chapel. A mass of Christian burial will be held on Saturday, December 10, 2011 at 9am at Our Lady of Fatima Church 505 W. Granger Ave., Modesto. Committal will follow at Lakewood Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers please contribute donations to "The Rylee Catalina White Memorial Fund", in memory of Matt Burkett. Modesto Commerce Bank 4204 Dale Rd., Modesto, CA 95356.
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Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Burkett
Stacie Kraft
September 24, 2012
Robin and Rich, I just want you to know I will never forget your son Matt, even though I have never met him I know he was a great man and accomplished allot and I am sure he is proud to have suac a wonderful family. Still thinking of you always.. your friend ... Stacie (Turner) Kraft
Leroy and Kelli Rocha
December 16, 2011
Rich, Robin and Jay - Our love and prayers continue for you for... now and always. Thank you for sharing Matt with us.
Sierra Rocha
December 15, 2011
Rich, Robin and Jay..
Words cannot express how sorry I am for the loss of your precious Matty. He truly was such an incredible person with a kind and gentle heart. I feel so honored to have had the chance to be his classmate and friend. May God bless you and your family during this difficult time. Please know that my family and I are here for you.
Sierra Rocha
Elizabeth Orozco-Wittke
December 14, 2011
Our thoughts and prayers are with you in your time of grief. May your memories bring you comfort.
We remember Matt from OLF days and CCHS days and are sorry for your loss.
Alix, JJ and Elizabeth Orozco Wittke
britt
December 14, 2011
I love you cousin. not a day goes by when you, and that smile of yours does not pass my mind. forever missed. xoxoxo
auntie, uncle, and jay here if you need anything!! sending love and prayers.
rick burkett
December 11, 2011
Rich and Robin, im so sorry and sadden about the loss of Matt. i only met him once at our family reunion. you both raised a realy good son, and I know both of you were very proud of him. MY heart goes out for the both of you, and to the rest of the Burkett family. God bless the both of you, your cousin Rick Burkett
Lisa Fourre-Thompson
December 10, 2011
Dear Rich and Robin, I was so saddened to hear about the loss of your precious son. I can see each of your faces in his and I know he will be missed so much. You and your family are in my prayers.I will be praying that God would comfort you with His big arms of love. Surrending our wills to His is sometimes very painful.
My husband and I have also lost a child. May God give you all the strength that you need. From Lisa Fourre Thompson, Davis High class of 1980
BRANDIE MARTINEZ
December 10, 2011
Dear Matt,
You all ways have been a blessing to be around. As the years have passed and we wonder how all of the old baseball boys have ended up, I always knew that you would grow up to be an honest good man. The lord has bigger plans for you somewhere else in this world. I pray for you and your family every night. You were loved and blessed with great parents that love you very much. Your new journey now begins..im sure to do greatness in a place much higher than us. God bless you Mathew... Brandie Martinez and Michael Cerda
Margaret Poor
December 9, 2011
Robin and Rich,
May God give you and your family peace and comfort at this sad time. You are in my prayers.
December 9, 2011
Rich, Robin,
Our thoughts & prayers are with you.
Harley, Toni, Lauren & Trey Parson
Kim Cabassi
December 9, 2011
Rich, Robin & family.....The sadness could not be more overwhelming for you all in this time of deep sorrow. May god give you the strength to make it through these most difficult days ahead. One day...you will smile again...until that day... god bless you all!!!!!!! xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Nick, Karen & Craig Wright
December 9, 2011
Rich, Robin & Jay... sending our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. Please know that we are thinking of you.
Yvonne Duncan
December 8, 2011
I was Matt's tutor when he was going to Central Catholic. Robin, Richard and Justin my deepest sympathies are with you. Matt was a joy to work with. Thank you for allowing me time with your son. There are no words that I can say other than peace be with you in the knowledge that he is with God and watching over you all. With love, Yvonne Duncan
Tiny Campos
December 8, 2011
Rip Matt it was wonderful working with u these past two years, thank you for your loyalty,standing by my side in good and bad times. It's going to be really hard to for get your smile every morning even though we had a really big job you made it better, I'll miss u telling me "it's going to be ok tiny! " I want u to know me and my brother loved you man!!!
Rudy & Rhonda Alvarado
December 8, 2011
Words cannot describe how sorry we are. Our prayers are with your family.
Michele Burkett
December 8, 2011
My thoughts and my tears are with you. Please know that your extended family has an aching heart for family and friends who loved Matt. Michele Burkett, Mesquite, NV
Melanie Medeiros
December 8, 2011
My heart goes out to the whole butkett family. I have never worked for a more loving giving family and knowing you all for the four years I did I am so saddened by this news its like losing a family member of my own. I know hes right where he belongs with god in heaven. Matt was a true blessing to all his smile always lit up our place when he walked in the door. I always enjoyed listening to Rich speak about Matt and how deeply proud he was of him. You are missed with all our hearts. Please god be with all who's hearts are torn right now and hold his family even tighter. Xox see ya again one day my friend :*)
Kelly, Tina & Dylan Cutright/Swartz
December 8, 2011
Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal. Words seem inadequate to express the sadness we feel about Matt's death. We are here to support you in your grieving process. May your heart and soul find peace and comfort.
Sondra Montano
December 7, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. May God bless you and be with you now and always.
Love,
Martin & Sondra Montano
Ron Pierce
December 7, 2011
Richie & Robin I'm so sorry for the tragic loss of Matthew,I can only hope God gets you threw this have faith! God throws us curves to test us be strong, there's no doubt Matthew was a great kid look what he comes from two awesome parents he's looking down on you wishing the best for you. Remember friends come and go memories last forever, Matthew will be with you forever God Bless You Ron Pierce
Bridget Flamion
December 7, 2011
May God bless you and be with you all what a tragedy.I never had the oppertunity to meet Matthew but herd alot of nice things at the candle light vigil. Know that he will allways be looking down upon you. God Bless
Sean, Helen & Siobhan Roddy
December 7, 2011
Words fail. God be with all of you.
December 7, 2011
Rich and Family
I am so sorry to hear of your loss..I hope you remember me from Caswell Cafeteria..you brought Matt over when he was a baby..I started playing with him and forgot and really burned the butter..I will never forget how plesant you always was and your smile..God be with you and may memories bring you peace...my prayers and thought are with you...
Rosie Faught
Jody Williams
December 7, 2011
Words could never describe what we feel for your family, our hearts, prayers and hugs are with you all. Always remember you will have a precious angel watching over you always.God Bless you the Williams Family, Jody, Garrett (GDUB) and Shania
Walter White
December 7, 2011
I am sorry for your loss and Matt's death at such a young age. Perhaps God let his flame burn brighter because he had less time in this world.
stacie kraft
December 7, 2011
I went to Grace M. Davis High School with Rich and Robin and I could only imagine what Matt was like. I did not have the privledge to meet or know him. Robin, Rich and Justin we are so saddened by this tragedy. With deepest thoughts and prayers , God Bless hopefully with everyones support you can be at peace someday.
Stacie & Kevin Kraft
December 7, 2011
We didn't know Matt. We did have the chance to know Jay a bit, during CCHS football and we admired what a nice young man he was. We are very saddened for your loss. May his soul rest in peace. The Potts Family
Alan & Cathy Beam
December 7, 2011
We are so sorry to hear about the loss of Matthew. What a nice young man he was. Your family is in our prayers. God bless you all.
Alan & Cathy Beam
Sandy Guerra
December 7, 2011
We will always remember Matt and how he lit up a room with that smile! We have many baseball memories and of course memories from Cancun. Robin, Rich and Justin, our hearts and prayers are with you. We are so sad for your loss and find comfort knowing he is and will be forever watching over you ...May God bless you and bring you peace, The Guerra Family
Karen Echols
December 7, 2011
There is so much sorrow in all the hearts of the people whose lives were touched by Matt. I am one of many who have special memories of Matt, and will be forever saddened by this great loss. Rich, Robin and family;May God bless you and keep you in his loving care as you go forward. Peace be with your "little" Angel in heaven. Much love...Greg Zaldua's mother
Sherry (Gallagher) Huskey
December 7, 2011
Wayne and Connie,
When I heard the tragic news about your grandson, it hurt my heart more than words could describe. I want you and your beautiful family to know you have been in my thoughts. I have prayed for you all, to have each other to hold on to in this most difficult time and to find the strength you need to deal with the yesterdays, today and tomorrows.
Sincerely and with a heavy heart,
Ed and Shelley Suchman
December 7, 2011
We are so sorry for your loss. Our hearts are heavy and we can't imagine the emptiness in your heart. The only peace is knowing Matt is with the Lord...God Bless You.
December 7, 2011
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. My heart goes out to you Robin & Richard. My prayers are with you and your family. May God be with you all.
Lupe Ramirez
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