Matthew J. Morgan

1967 - 2021

Matthew J. Morgan
November 1, 2021
Matthew James Morgan passed away Monday, November 1, 2021. Matt was born in New Haven on August 19, 1967 to the late Roberta Downes Morgan and the late John Stewart Morgan. Matt is survived by his beloved children, Ella Grace Morgan and Matthew Flynn Morgan, and their mother, Leslie Flynn Morgan. He also leaves his siblings and nieces & nephews: John and sister-in-law Betsy (Hannah and John) of Madison, Kim Morgan-Card and brother-in-law Paul Card of West Haven (Laura and Michael), Craig and sister-in-law Cynthia (CJ) of Madison, and Michael and sister-in-law Leigh (Elaine, Margeaux, Kathleen, and Michael) of Suffield. He was predeceased by sister Lori Morgan.
Matt was graduated from West Haven High School in 1985. He served as captain of the lacrosse team. Matt was also a proud member of the 13th seeded "No Name" Blue Devil hockey team that captured the 1984 State Championship. Matt continued his education at the University of Connecticut. He later attended Southern Connecticut State University, playing both hockey and lacrosse there. Matt rounded out his collegiate career when he transferred to Springfield College. At Springfield, Matt continued his lacrosse career as a member of their nationally ranked lacrosse team. While at Springfield, Matt also realized his academic potential by being named to the dean's list and earning his B.A. in 1991. Matt found it hard to hang up his skates & cleats after college, relishing both competition and the camaraderie of his teammates. He won a Scafati Cup with his Randall's team in the New Haven Senior Hockey League. Matt was also a member of the powerhouse Whitey's Café teams of the West Haven Street Hockey League. A prized part of his athletic career was partnering with his brothers John & Craig on the vaunted New Haven Lacrosse Club. The three brothers competed with the top-flight club in tournaments across New England and Mid-Atlantic states.
After graduation, Matt began his professional career at Miles Laboratories in West Haven, later transitioning into Bayer Pharmaceutical. He then joined Yale New Haven Hospital, where he worked as a Data Analyst in Planning & Business Development. When not behind a desk, Matt also enjoyed serving cold beer and bad jokes from behind the bar at Brick Alley, Duffy's Tavern, and Lorenzo's. Away from work, Matt found great fulfillment serving as a coach in hockey and lacrosse. Matt spent many years as an assistant coach for West Haven High's lacrosse team. He was particularly proud of the 2004 team that beat Hamden to win the SCC Tier 2 title. Matt also held numerous assistant and head coaching positions in the West Haven Youth Hockey Association. One highlight was helping to guide the 1991-92 Squirt A team to a state championship. He often boasted "I coached that kid" when a Westie achieved later success.
Matt's boasting rose to a higher level when asked about his children, Ella & Matty. Speaking about them brought a renewed spark to Matt's demeanor. He was eager to relay stories of their aptitude in the classroom. And, of course, Matt bragged about their emerging talents on the basketball court and lacrosse field.
Visitation will take place on Monday, November 8 from 4-8 p.m. at the West Haven Funeral Home at the Green. A memorial service will be held Tuesday, November 9 at 11 a.m. at the First Congregational Church of West Haven, 1 Church Street, West Haven. Interment will follow in St. Lawrence Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to an education fund to benefit his children. Checks can be made to "Ella and Matthew Morgan Education Fund" and mailed to Kim Morgan-Card, 30 Baycrest Drive, West Haven, CT 06516 For online condolences please visit our website, www.westhavenfuneral.com.