Matthew John Azzato

Matthew John Azzato, 44, died unexpectedly on Wednesday August 9, 2023 in Marina del Rey, California. He was born in Erie on November 2, 1978, the eldest son of Lori and Steve Azzato.
Matt attended St. Luke Grade School and Cathedral Prep, where he played on the golf team for four years. After graduating from high school, Matt enlisted in the U.S. Navy. He served onboard the USS Hampton SSN 767, a nuclear-powered fast attack submarine, where he was a Sonar Technician and a U.S. Navy Diver. He was a Gulf War Veteran.
After his four years of military service, Matt continued his education, earning two associate degrees and his Bachelor's in Finance from George Mason University. Matt's first passion in life was music, especially playing his guitar, which he began playing at seven years old. Once Matt put his mind to pursue an interest or activity, he would put his whole heart and energy into it, whether it was playing his guitar, becoming a Navy Diver, golfing, or learning the game of chess. He loved nature and the outdoors, as he enjoyed swimming, biking, rock climbing, and taking walks.
Matt was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents, Stephen Nowak and Virginia Nowak Mingarelli and his step grandfather, Julius Mingarelli; his paternal grandparents, Raymond and Florence Azzato; and his aunt, Lia Carter Luciani.
In addition to his parents survivors include his sister, Kellie Caldwell (Mike); his brother, Eric Azzato (Natalie); his niece, Raelyn; nephews, Vinny, Rocco, Dino, Sal, Nash, and Grady; and many cousins, aunts, and uncles.
Friends are invited to a Funeral Mass at St. Luke Catholic Church on Thursday at 12:00 p.m. Inurnment with full military honors will follow in Wintergreen Gorge Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to a charity of one's choice.