Matthew A. Wharton

Matthew "Matt" Wharton, 74, transitioned on to his newest adventure at 10:16am on August 10, 2024 from hospice care at Gulf Coast Memory Care, Estero, FL to true Paradise. He left this earthly Hell with his hand being held by his beloved wife/partner of 39 years, MaryAnn Mitroka Wharton as she told him it was "OK to go" and that his daughter, Marissa, "was waiting for you".
Matt fought an extremely LONG, HARD battle, having overcome many illnesses and accidents leaving his previously compromised body weak. The latest multiple, severe medical issues were just too much for his body to recover or "power on" from. He faced all the medical challenges with grace, momentum and a smile. He fought as long as he could but the chains of his multiple illnesses/diseases became too heavy and tightened around him. Thankfully, those chains have now been removed. Unfortunately, those he left behind are now the ones chained with heartache, loss, loneliness, and regret.
Although born in Altoona, PA, he was a true Jersey Boy having moved to Jersey as a little guy. Matt graduated from Sparta High School and Rutgers University. Matt's career included working as an IT professional, a project manager, a consultant at Exxon Research & Engineering, FCG Consulting, and Sanofi/Aventis. He retired in 2013 and relocated to Alabama to be near his only child, Marissa Wharton Baugher.
After Marissa and her son, Micah's death in 2013, Matt was finally able to move, in 2020, to what he considered Paradise on Earth - Southwest Florida. Sadly, he was able to enjoy his earthly Paradise for only a few months prior to the diagnoses/prognosis of additional medical issues which severely affected his mobility and stamina.
Matt was an old hippie, having gone to Woodstock and Haight-Ashbury. He believed in "make love, not war." He loved music and, even until recently, would fall asleep listening to it and wake with it still playing. He was a gentleman and a gentle man. He had an uncanny ability to help and mentor people, especially most recently on various social media platforms. He was kind, generous, and empathetic to all. Matt could build and repair ANYTHING. He dreamed of architecting the design and build of a home here in SWFL. He didn't regret much in life except not seeing or hugging his granddaughter since 2014.
Matt is predeceased by his father Frank Wharton, his daughter Marissa Wharton Baugher, and grandson Micah Baugher, and his sister Maureen Glaeser. He is survived by his wife MaryAnn Mitroka Wharton, granddaughter Maleia Baugher, his mother Shirley Sharbaugh Wharton, 4 siblings and many cousins, nieces/nephews living in various parts of the USA, and his beloved, precious fur baby, Jasper.
Thank you to all who took the time and effort to come visit Matt during these last few months. Matt so very much appreciated it. Arrangements for his remains are being handled by Shikany's Bonita Funeral Home, Bonita Springs, FL. Matt believed "if you didn't come see me when I was alive, don't come see me when I'm dead just to assuage your guilt." Adhering to those wishes, viewing will remain private with cremation to follow.
Matthew loved animals. He asked that if you'd like to remember him, please do so by making a donation in his name to your local, no-kill animal shelter.
"Carry on wayward son. You have peace now, this is done! Lay your weary head to rest! Don't ya cry no more."