Matthew Joseph McCormack

Matthew Joseph McCormack, 51, of Alexandria, Virginia, passed away on August 19, 2025, with his wife, Debbie, by his side.

Matt was born the second son of the late Michael Joseph and Margaret Shea McCormack, joining his older brother, Edward Michael. In 1979, the family moved to Alexandria's Marlboro Estates, a community bordering Fort Ward Park, where Matt grew up surrounded by warm neighbors and lifelong friends. Precocious from the start, Matt loved pulling pranks on his brother, tagging along with his dad to work, and encouraging his friends to embark on new adventures. He inherited his parents' gift for hospitality, learning the joy of serving others from their legendary football parties and spirited gatherings.

Matt attended Bishop Ireton High School, where he participated in football, lacrosse, and swimming. Matt proudly served as senior class president. True to his spirit of pushing boundaries, he wore combat boots to meet the "leather shoes" requirement and is fondly remembered for his creativity, quick wit, and brilliance. Encouraged by the priests he admired, Matt left his mark on the school by painting a mural in 1988, which remained until recent renovations.

Following in his brother's footsteps, Matt attended The College of William & Mary, where he was a Division I swimmer, joined Pi Kappa Alpha Fraternity, volunteered as a Williamsburg firefighter, and earned a Bachelor of Arts in Art History. He went on to earn his Master's in Business Administration from the University of Maryland. The deep friendships he formed at William and Mary lasted a lifetime, as evidenced by one of his final texts with a fraternity brother, filled with humor and excitement about taking his youngest son to college.

Matt's teen years were touched by tragedy, yet they deepened his joy and zest for life. At 13, Matt was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma, requiring surgery and mantle radiation, which saved his life. A year later, at 14, his father suffered a life-changing accident that left him a quadriplegic, requiring Matt's mother and father to spend months in hospitals in Baltimore and Denver, and resulting in the need for round-the-clock care for his father for the next 13 years. Matt considered taking care of his father through high school, college, and early working years to be one of his proudest accomplishments, and what helped shape him into the man we knew and loved. Matt was adamant that life is not defined by tragedy, but by happiness and joy.

Matt's proudest accomplishment was marrying the love of his life, Debbie, in 2001. Together, they built a beautiful life over 23 years, filled with laughter, love and shared everyday moments. They were blessed with three extraordinary children-Michaela, Maxwell, and Mitchell-whom Matt adored. He taught them to ski and cook, made them watch "the best movies ever made," shared his love of art, and took them on adventures across Europe and Africa. He never missed a soccer game or crew regatta and consistently gave back, volunteering as a manager, coach, and board member.

Matt's passion was his family. He was endlessly proud of his three children: Michaela, a University of Virginia graduate now working at Georgetown Hospital and preparing to apply to medical school; Maxwell, a third-year cadet at the U.S. Air Force Academy and this semester serves as Wing Command Chief; and Mitchell, preparing to attend the University of Washington and pursuing his passion for rowing as a walk-on athlete. Watching them grow into kind, compassionate, and determined young adults was the greatest joy of his life.

Matt was a Renaissance man and a lifelong athlete. He was equally at ease debating important historical events, analyzing the financial markets, painting pictures of his family, being a personal tour guide to museums and battlefields, watching a football game on the porch, or creating amazing meals for family and friends. Matt left investment banking to start his own company, Cook de Cuisine ("Cook DC"), where he earned a People's Choice Award, and delighted in hosting dinner parties, large and small. He completed 13 marathons, numerous Olympic-distance triathlons, the double metric Mountains of Misery, and four Ironman triathlons. Matt's adventurous spirit shone through all he did - whether kayaking, white-water rafting, or enjoying long bike rides with his family. He especially treasured these moments together, embracing life's journeys, with energy and joy, even in his final days.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, Michael and Margaret McCormack. He is survived by his wife, Debra (née Everitt); his three beloved children, Michaela Anne, Maxwell Joseph, and Mitchell Everitt; his brother, Edward McCormack, and sister-in-law, Catherine (née Kelly), of Windermere, FL; and his cherished niece and nephews, Maeve, Seamus, Declan, and Owen. He is also remembered by many loving aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

A visitation will be held on Thursday, September 4, 2025, from 5–7 p.m. at Everly-Wheatley Funeral Home (1500 Braddock Road, Alexandria, VA). A Celebration of Life will take place on Friday, September 5, at 10 a.m. at Westminster Presbyterian Church (2701 Cameron Mills Road, Alexandria, VA), (live stream: Matt McCormack Memorial Service - Westminster Presbyterian Church) followed by interment immediately after at Ivy Hill Cemetery (2823 King Street, Alexandria, VA). A reception will be hosted from 12–4 p.m. at the Army Navy Country Club (1700 Army Navy Drive, Arlington, VA). All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to honor Matt's legacy of kindness, generosity and love by supporting Smiles from Sarah, a memorial campaign dedicated to bringing comfort and joy to children. To learn more, please visit In Loving Memory of Matt McCormack | Smiles from Sarah | BetterWorld.