Matthew Ross Vance

Matthew Ross Vance, age 51, passed away unexpectedly on Friday, August 15, 2025, at Brigham & Women's Hospital in Boston, Massachusetts.

There are no words sufficient to describe Matt because he was larger than life. He loved his family more than anything in the world and they loved him right back. Matt made friends everywhere he went, with a charming personality, a great sense of humor, and a desire to see others smile. His grandfather always told him that he was the most charismatic person he had ever met, with the ability to talk the sleeves off a sweater. He wasn't afraid to take risks, put himself out there, and try new things, never letting anything hold him back. The world is a dimmer place without him.

Born in Hyannis, Massachusetts on January 8, 1974, Matt was the son of Warren Ross Vance and Pamela J (Calf) Travers. Matt was raised in Walpole, Massachusetts, where he spent some of the best days of his childhood on Lewis Ave with his brother Jared and the neighborhood kids. Summers were spent in Dennisport for more than a decade, with Matt and Jared skimboarding at Mayflower Beach and attending the dances at the yacht club on Friday nights. As the boys grew older, playing in the dirt with matchbox cars turned into "borrowing" Mom's sports car for joyrides and throwing memorable parties that their parents would only learn about decades later. During summer, Matt worked at Bob Brigg’s Wee Packet in Dennis as a line cook and when he returned home would resume a role as a bagger at Shaw's in Norwood. He worked to earn spending money all through high school, with his hard work on display after winning the Fastest Bagger Award at Shaw's.

After graduating from Catholic Memorial High School in West Roxbury, Massachusetts with the class of 1992, Matt continued his studies at Villanova University in Pennsylvania. Initially attending on an exclusive chemical engineering scholarship, Matt ended up changing programs and graduated with his Bachelor of Science in Accounting in 1997. Over the years Matt worked for a variety of companies in both Pennsylvania and Massachusetts as a Tax Accountant or Sales Tax Manager, bringing his expertise to VWR International, Fidelity Leasing, David's Bridal, Penske, US Filter, The MacGregor Group, Invensys, Dell EMC, and most recently as the Director of Taxation for WB Mason based out of Brockton, Massachusetts.

While at Villanova, Matt met and later married Elizabeth Caldwell. The pair made their home in Norristown, Pennsylvania and welcomed their first child, Ethan, in 2000. To accommodate their growing family, a move was made to Pottstown, Pennsylvania in 2003, welcoming their son Aidan the following year. In 2005, a decision was made to return to Massachusetts, landing in Franklin.

Matt was incredibly proud to be a father. He supported everything the kids were interested in and encouraged them to try new things. A big music lover, he was thrilled when they joined the band, attending every concert and sponsoring many booster activities and raffles. Matt shared his love for music with Ethan and Aidan, taking them to many events, including a Mighty Mighty Bosstones concert, where he somehow found a way to get them backstage to meet the musicians. A former Boy Scout himself, Matt stepped up to leadership positions with their local Boy Scout Troop 126 when the kids joined. With an energy that could border on boisterous, Matt was perfect for getting the kids’ attention and directing them in their duties. In 2013, Matt and Beth parted ways as husband and wife, remaining close friends and showing Ethan and Aidan what healthy co-parenting looks like. As the children grew older, Matt was able to share fatherly advice and help guide them as they became young adults. While Matt may not have understood what it was like to be a young adult today, he was always open to listening and learning, asking questions and never judging.

In 2014, Matt attended an appetizer party where he met Dyan Sullivan. The pair had many mutual friends and quickly found they shared many interests. Love eventually blossomed and the friends became a couple. Together they enjoyed traveling and trying new things. Dyan introduced Matt to her love for horses, which led them one day road tripping to the Kentucky Derby. Road trips were a favorite adventure that they liked to embark upon, driving out to Colorado for a family reunion and annually driving his mother Pam's car down to her in Fort Myers. One of his favorite vacations that they took was to Aruba, stating that it was one of the most amazing places he had ever been.

Matt was a man of many interests, often finding a hobby and diving headfirst into it. Over the years he became quite the wine connoisseur, cigar aficionado, and expert in all bar sports. He went all in on whatever sparked his curiosity, learning everything he could about it. He was always passionate about his love for the Dallas Cowboys and the Boston Bruins. He was a season ticket holder for the B's and was ecstatic to be invited to sit in the corporate box office for a few Cowboys games after making a connection with a colleague at the airport. At home, Matt enjoyed playing cards and relaxing with a Tito’s water cranberry. For the past 6 years, Matt was a proud and active member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, Lodge 2136. He participated in as many aspects of the fraternal organization as he could, helping run events and calling Bingo, riding in their motorcycle club on his Yamaha V Star and serving as the Sergeant at Arms. Most of all, he loved spending time with his family. He was a devoted son, father, brother, boyfriend, and friend and he will be deeply missed.

Beloved son of the late Warren Ross Vance, and Pamela J. (Calf) Travers and her husband Joseph of Rochester, Massachusetts and Ft. Myers, Florida

Loving father of Ethan Matthew Vance and Aidan Robert Vance, both of Franklin

Caring brother and best friend of Jared B. Vance of Rhode Island

Cherished partner of Dyan E. Sullivan of Franklin

Also survived by his nephew Austin Vance, nieces Hannah and Samantha Vance, his former wife Beth Vance and her partner Rich, and many, many friends, including the “Tyndale Crew” and "The Island".

Relatives and friends are kindly invited to attend Matt's visitation on Friday, August 29th, 2025, from 4:00 - 8:00 pm in the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole. Matt's family kindly requests that guests dress casually, like Matt would want. A gathering will be held at the conclusion of visiting hours at the Franklin Elks Lodge # 2136, 1077 Pond Street, Franklin, MA 02038.

A private ceremony for close friends and family will be held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025 at the James H. Delaney & Son Funeral Home, 48 Common Street, Walpole from 12:00 - 1:00 pm.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, August 30th, 2025, at the Old Colonial Cafe, 171 Nahatan Street, Norwood, MA 02062, at 1:30 pm. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Matt's name may be made to Franklin Arts Program (at https://givebutter.com/FMBmemorial) or send checks payable to the Elks Lodge 2136 in Franklin MA (at PO Box 447, Franklin Ma, 02038-0447), with a note directing your donation either towards the Elks Scholarship Fund, or Riders Club Veteran Support Fund.