Matthew Raymond Jewell

Matthew Raymond Jewell unexpectedly left this world on June 29th, 2023, at the age of 38, leaving a hole in the lives of the many that he touched.
Matt was born to Richard Jewell and Nancy (Rathjen) Dunkel on December 29, 1984, in Santa Rosa, California. From the very start, Matt was an energetic and active child with a spirited personality. Matt loved sports and grew up as an avid baseball player, played street hockey with the neighborhood kids, and rode his bike around Howarth Park and Spring Lake with his older brother Brandon. Matt and Brandon, despite their very different personalities, were close as children. Their band of brothers grew when they were blessed with bonus brothers Shane and Brad. The four boys were occasionally found getting into mischief, no doubt nudged by Matt, who pressed boundaries and rode the edge of trouble, somehow always coming out unscathed. His playful personality gifted them all with cherished, lifelong memories.
Matt enjoyed his upbringing in Bennett Valley so much that he was determined to plant his roots in the same place he grew up. He appreciated the closeness he was able to maintain with his family and friends by staying local, and he took every opportunity available to be with those he loved.
Unlike many adults, Matt never lost his connection to his youthful zest for life. He was a fun-loving person and used his humor to bring light to the lives of those around him when they needed it most. He liked to make others laugh and even seemed to relish the occasional eye-roll that followed a bad joke.
Despite the appearance of a carefree attitude, Matt was one of the most helpful, supportive, and dependable people you could ever have the pleasure of knowing. Matt would be there to lend a hand and help no matter the time, day, or situation. He enjoyed working with his hands and was a crafty person with a talent for problem-solving.
Matt worked for many years at Pace Plumbing Supply in Santa Rosa where he made countless friendships, often bringing new friends into the fold with those he knew since childhood. Matt had a presence that brightened up any room. He made friends wherever he went, and no one left a stranger when Matt was around. His time with his friends was very important to him and he prioritized making plans to meet up to play poker with his buddies or catch up over a drink.
With the birth of his son, Benjamin, Matt's life took on greater meaning and he reached a new level of happiness. Matt loved being a dad more than anything else in the world. When he would talk about Ben he would light up and say with pride, "That kid is my best friend," before going on to boast about Ben's accomplishments and their adventures together. Ben and Matt adored one another deeper than words could express, and their bond was undeniable. Although their time together was cut short, Ben's connection to his dad will undoubtedly live on in the countless memories they shared.
Matt is survived by his loving family, including his son Benjamin Jewell, his mother Nancy Dunkel (Dan), his older brother Brandon Jewell (Emily), step-brothers Shane Loughry (Paige) and Brad Bergman (Joline), step-sister Shannon Lazzarini (Dean), aunts Peggy Alcorn (Mike) and Carol Bickel (Don), uncle Ken Dunkel (Lynette), aunt Denise Seymore, aunt Carolyn Mitchel, uncle Alan Sjolund, grandparents Ray and Anna Rathjen, grandmother Verna Olson, and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews. He is also survived by co-parent and Ben's mother Jenna Jewell, and her family, his "other mother" Tammy Alander, and his sweetheart Bernadette McCormack, along with more lifelong friends than we can count.
He is preceded in death by his father Richard Jewell, stepmother Debi Crownover, uncles Bill Rathjen and John Rathjen, aunt Karen Sjolund, and aunt Mickey Duvall, and grandparents Ralph and Louise Jewell.
Matt loved being Matt. He was truly himself through and through, and we honor him by remembering him for the friendly, funny, kind, and loyal person he was.
A Celebration of Life is being held on Saturday, July 15th at Rincon Valley Mobile Estates Clubhouse (4671 Circle Drive, Santa Rosa, CA) from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Casual dress. All are welcome to attend.
In lieu of flowers or gifts, Matt's family and friends request donations be made to his son Benjamin Jewell's college fund via Venmo @Ben-Jewell-College-Fund or in person at the July 15th Celebration of Life.
There is a QR code for the Venmo account on Tribute Wall one tab over.