L. Matthew Arens

Matthew Arens, 71, beloved husband of Susan (Wallace) Arens, passed away Tuesday, May 27, 2025, peacefully at home. He was born and raised in Farmington, CT, by Leonard and Mary (Smith) Arens, who were owners of the Lincoln Dairy. One of six children, Matt attended St. Paul's Catholic High School in Bristol. While attending Fairfield University, he met the love of his life, Susan. For the past 40 years, they lived in West Hartford, where they raised their family together.
Matt's life was centered around his faith, family and community. He participated in retreats at Holy Family Monastery and contributed to St. Helena's Church as a Eucharistic Minister and Parish Council member. His life of service extended to the future generation in his work in higher education, elementary education and as a catechism instructor. He was an excellent golfer, an adventurous traveler, and an amazing cook.
Matt was best known for his smile and his warm and generous personality. He will be dearly missed by family, friends and neighbors.
Matt is survived by his wife of 46 years, Susan; his son, Paul Arens and his wife Ji; his daughter, Christine O'Halloran and her husband Ryan; and his beloved grandchildren, Robert, Laura, and Rowan. He is also survived by his brothers, Mark Arens and Peter Arens.
Calling hours will be Thursday, (June 5) from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at the Sheehan Hilborn Breen Funeral Home, 1084 New Britain Avenue, West Hartford. A Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 a.m. on Friday, (June 6), at Church of St. Peter Claver, 47 Pleasant Street, West Hartford. Burial will follow at St. Ann's Cemetery in Avon.
Memorial donations may be made to the Association for Frontotemporal Degeneration (https://www.theaftd.org/). Online condolences may be made at www.SheehanHilbornBreen.com