Mathew Nearpass

Mathew (Matt) Nearpass, age 49, passed away suddenly on April 28, 2025, leaving behind devastated family and friends who loved him deeply.
Matt is survived by his wife of 23 years, Renee; daughter Alia (21); son Hayden (19); parents Robert and Lynette Nearpass; brother Gregory (Kate) Nearpass; many loving cousins, nieces, nephews, aunts and uncles; as well as his loyal guard dog Lily and extremely fancy cat, Marty.
Matt was born on February 17, 1976 in Geneva, NY and grew up in Seneca Falls, NY where he played high school tennis and enjoyed a childhood full of small-town shenanigans. An excellent student, Matt graduated high school early to attend Clarkson University, where he earned a computer engineering degree in 1997.
While attending Clarkson, Matt met his wife Renee, and, after graduating, they married and embarked on a world adventure. Matt took a job with Harris Corporation that took them to Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates from 2000-2005, where they celebrated the birth of their first child, daughter Alia, in 2004. The family welcomed their son Hayden in 2005 after moving home to Victor, NY. Since then, Matt left a lasting impact as a member of the Victor community for more than 20 years. He served on the Town of Victor Zoning Board of Appeals for 17 years, most recently as Vice Chair. He and his brother also owned Cork 49 Wine Bar in the Village of Victor from 2017-2020.
Matt's life was centered on his family and dedication to his work, but he made time for wide-ranging hobbies and interests. He learned to play the guitar, tried his hand at fly fishing, and earned his small aircraft pilot's license. Matt also attended viticulture school at Finger Lakes Community College in 2016 and, with his newly-acquired knowledge, purchased land in the Finger Lakes where he leaves a legacy of vines overlooking beautiful Keuka Lake and in view of his family's beloved second home. Matt's first grapes were harvested last year and will be bottled next year by Vineyard View Winery, where he also served as occasional guest winemaker.
Calling hours will be held at Miller Funeral Home in Victor, New York on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 from 4-7 p.m. A prayer service will be held at St. Catherine of Siena in Mendon, New York on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at 10 a.m. All who loved and wish to remember Matt are welcome to attend. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Australian Cattle Dog Rescue Association https://www.acdra.org/donate.