Matthew J. Bova

Matthew J. Bova, age 66, of Merrimack, NH, passed away unexpectedly at his home on Thanksgiving, Thursday, November 27, 2025. He was the son of the late Dr. Alexander Bova and June Ardis (Cunningham) Bova. He was the brother of the late Alexander Bova, Jr.

Matt was born in Melrose, MA and raised in both Reading, MA and Andover, MA. After graduating from Andover High School, he spent two years at Boston University. Following his schooling he began a career as a chef at Century House in Peabody, where he had retired after 35 years. He moved to Merrimack, NH upon his retirement. In addition to his vocational success, Matt enjoyed cultivating plants and gardening; his tomatoes were regular ribbon winners at the Topsfield Fair. He also loved to fish and learn about history.

He leaves behind his son, Anthony Bova and his fiancée Lindsay Trammell of Woburn; his daughter, Alyssa Bova and her fiancé Aaron Santos of Peabody; his grandson, Lucas Santos; his siblings, David Bova of New Baltimore, NY, Stephanie Bova and her husband John of Methuen, Lisa Krikorian and her husband Harry of Hampstead, NH, Mary-Louise Dudek of Deerfield, NH, Francine Machajewski and her husband Alex of Hampstead, NH, and Christopher Bova and his wife Terry of Deerfield, NH; as well as many nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews, and countless dear friends.

Visitation for relatives and friends will be held at the McDonald Funeral Home, 19 Yale Ave., Wakefield, MA on Wednesday, December 3 from 4-7pm. A burial for family will take place at a later date at Forest Glade Cemetery in Wakefield where he will join his parents and brother.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Matt’s name may be made to the charity of your choice.