Matthew A. Notz

Matthew (Matt) A. Notz of Mahopac, NY, passed away unexpectedly on November 19, 2024 at the age of 71. He was born in Washington, D.C. on February 21, 1953, the son of William and Sally Gardner Notz. On July 13, 1996, he married Catherine McAuliffe at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac, and they were blessed with a son, William.
Matt was the kindest of souls to his friends and family, but his reach extended far beyond them. After receiving an academic scholarship to Princeton, Matt went on to receive his Masters in Social Work from Columbia University. Matt worked full time during both his stints in college to the point where his fellow Princetonians saw him in class and asked, "Aren't you the bartender that always works in our pub?" Matt always strived to be independent and his attention after college, and during his Master's Program, shifted to those who needed more help being independent. For all of his life up until his untimely passing, Matt worked with disabled adults and children. He worked at various places such as Opengate, Living Resources, the Clearview School, and the Westchester Exceptional Children School. Matt was like family to the last special client in his life who he helped with cooking and other matters. Matt adored the people who really needed his help. He spent countless hours running to comic book stores, the old Dungeons and Dragons Store in Poughkeepsie, and all different kinds of places looking for the perfect motivator or treat for his students and clients. He took people on trips, to movies, out to eat, etc. Matt was a vocal advocate for those who couldn't always advocate for themselves. If he thought that someone needed something, his gentle soul turned tenacious and he would not stop until that child or adult got what he/she needed or wanted regardless if it was something that might be viewed as trivial to anyone else. His wife, who joined this world later, met Matt and recognized immediately that this was a man with an enormous heart for others. She accompanied him often on these outings where they created some wonderful and comical memories. Matt also looked out for his friends and family and, as a voracious reader, would go on the hunt through newspapers and then later the Internet, looking for things for others to make them feel special with a treat, cool kind of food, or when they wanted for nothing, a kind word. Everyone loved Matt because he loved everyone. Matt enjoyed sports, playing golf, rooting for the Washington Commanders and Minnesota Twins, and going to Saratoga every year for the horse races. As a family man, Matt was never as happy as when he became a father to his son, William John. Matt was a hands-on father from the start who was Will's biggest cheerleader and buddy. Matt worked two to three jobs all of his life, but when Will was born, Matt understood and never underestimated the importance of fatherhood. When his wife, Cathy, went back to work, Matt worked part-time because he reveled in spending as much time as possible with William and wanted to be there for him. Matt spent the night writing about all of Will's adventures. There are countless entries of William's life put down on paper. We will treasure all of our memories with Matt.
Matt is survived by his wife, Cathy, and his son, William. He is survived by his wonderful siblings and their equally wonderful spouses; William Notz and Claudia; Barbara Boniello and Ralph; Kris Boyle and Jim; and Robin Corpolongo and Dominick. Matt is survived by his loving in-laws; Thomas McAuliffe and Tania; Maureen McAuliffe; and Jay McAuliffe. Matt's nephews and nieces and then their children on both sides of the family were always close to his heart. Matt's parents and in-laws predeceased him, but he was always there to help them especially in times of illness. His wife would call him at her parents' house to see when he was coming home only to hear Matt say that he wanted to spend more time with his in-laws because they were all enjoying each others company. Matt has a wealth of loved ones waiting for him in heaven who we know will welcome him with open arms including our fur babies like Pepper, Sugar, Spice, Cody, and Hunter. Kaizer and Baby Grey are already missing you at home, Matt.
All are welcome to attend a memorial visitation to celebrate Matt's everlasting life on Friday, November 22, from 4-8 at Joseph J. Smith Funeral Home. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Saturday, November 23rd, at 10:00 a.m. at St. John the Evangelist Church in Mahopac. Private cremation took place earlier.