Mathew "Styles" Lyles

Mathew "Styles" Lyles, 42 of Essex Junction passed away at his home on September 15, 2023. He was born in Gardener, Massachusetts on June 23, 1981.
Mathew had tough times in life. His mother passed away when he was six years old, and he spent time in foster care. Mat was blessed when he met Tom and Kristy in a group home and spent years living with them. They were a positive light in Mathew's life and got him on the right path for his future. When leaving Tom and Kristy Mat lived with his sister until he was ready to move into the next phase of his life. Anyone who was lucky enough to know Mathew knew that he had an amazing smile and a laugh that was infectious. He would light up a room just by walking into it.
From day one he loved music.... Really loud music, he would go to Burlington regularly to DJ with his friends and listen to live music. Mat always had earbuds in with something loud playing. He listened to everything from Heavy metal to admitting that he actually liked a couple of Taylor Swift songs! Yes, he did admit this! He was a huge 80's music fan. He had a huge playlist and can be seen singing and being silly with Cristie on many occasions as well as videos!
Mat was passionate about technology he decided to leave VT in 2008 and move to Seattle and then to California to follow his dream of a great tech career which he did and was happy doing. Making his talents matter was very important to him. When Mat put his mind to something he always gave 100%. He taught himself how to play the drums, draw, calligraphy, computers and how to write code and even how to live on a sailboat! He truly was a talented man. He was liked and respected at his job by management and his team.
Mat loved his best friend, his dog Baxter. They were always together, and truly kept each other company. Mat was proud of Baxter and loved having him to walk with and to just chill out. They spent 13 magical years together. Seeing Mat and Baxter together was a true delight and pure love.
Mat and his sister recently were able to drive across the country together in an RV. Mat decided that it was time for him and Baxter to come home to Vermont. They all made the 4000-mile trip stopping at the Grand Canyon, eating on Route 66, losing a side mirror because the roads in Arizona were so bumpy and stopping along the way to take in the sites. He was so happy to be back in Vermont and start to reconnect with his friends.
He wanted to build his friendships and enjoy time with the people he held dearest to him. He was able to spend time with friends and family, being able to go to the Addison County Farm and Field days and the Champlain Valley fair were highlights for him. He and his sister were able to take a trip back to Middlebury, where they grew up to visit their mother's grave, see places they used to hang out as well as grabbing a bite to eat at A&W. Mat made a new friend, Miss Pat who he was fond of and loved that her sense of humor mirrored his. They had a great time picking on Cristie and her husband Frank.
Mat was also an amazing cook, if you ever had the pleasure of cooking with him, or having him make you a meal, you were truly a lucky one. He learned a lot of his skills and talent by working at Sneakers in Winooski as well as working in Stowe. Spending time living and working in Stowe were some of the best times of his life. He always felt that good food and friends were the best part of his day.
Another great love of Mats was movies. He loved to watch all movies and TV shows, but really had a huge love for Star Wars, TMNT, Ghostbusters and Dexter. He had a large collection of movie memorabilia. If Mathew didn't answer his phone, it was often because he was watching a movie.
Mat will always be remembered with love, and for the most amazing presence and soul. He was and continues to be loved by many friends, family and anyone that met him.
Mathew is survived by his sister Cristie Chilcote and her husband Frank Chilcote, His best friend and faithful companion Baxter, His Aunts and Uncles, Sue Masteller, Kimberly Nelson-Alves, and Randy Lyles. He is also survived by many cousins, loved ones and friends.
Mathew was predeceased by his mother Deborah Sawyer and grandparents Roger and Katherine Lyles.
A celebration of life will be held on Sunday October 22, 2023, 11-2pm at The Club House at 375 Autumn Pond Way, Essex Jct VT 05452.