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McInerny Funeral Home

502 W. Water St.

Elmira, New York

Matthew Hartley Obituary

ELMIRA - Matthew Michael Hartley, 37, passed away Thursday (Sept. 4, 2014) at Strong Memorial Hospital, Rochester.

Matt was born April 8, 1977, in Olean, a son of James T. and Allie Brennan Hartley.

In addition to his parents, who live in Fishers, Ind., he is survived by his wife, Sarah L. Vallely, whom he married July 5, 2008; their children, Isaac Thomas and Vivian Marie Hartley; two siblings, Todd and Kristian Hartley, both of Fishers; two nieces, Ava and Ella; a maternal grandmother, Patty McGranaghan of Bolivar; a maternal aunt, Chauncey Crowley of Bolivar; a father-in-law and mother-in-law, Carl R. Vallely and Barbara Brownrigg of Elmira; a sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Katherine Boland and Christopher Sullivan, with their children, Meghan and Reilly, all of Elmira; a brother-in-law, R. Parks Vallely of Queens; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Matt was the type of soul who made everyone's life he touched better for having met him. His sense of humor made him a joy to be around. He had a great work ethic, loved to cook, was an athlete, an artist, and most of all a loving husband and father. Matt loved hockey, baseball and football. As a 13-year-old, he played in the Babe Ruth World Series, and competed in the home run derby. He attended West High School in Corning, and attended both Brockport and Mansfield University. Matt started his hockey career in Jamestown, then was later a captain for the Twin Tiers midget and junior hockey teams that went to several state championship games. He was a die-hard Yankees, Sabres and Dolphins fan.

Family and friends are invited from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday (Sept. 13, 2014) to McInerny Funeral Home, 502 W. Water St., Elmira. A celebration of Matt's life will follow at 12:15 p.m. at the funeral home. Interment will then take place at Woodlawn Cemetery. The celebration of Matt's life will continue at 2 p.m. at Tanglewood Nature Center, 443 Coleman Ave., Big Flats NY 14814.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Olean Times Herald on Sep. 7, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
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Nicola Pytell

February 23, 2015

Matt was lovely...a total joy. My heart and soul are with Sarah and their kids. Life can just be beyond unfair sometimes...and this was that- beyond unfair. Miss you, Matt. Love and hugs to Sarah and the kiddies. SO many hugs xoxo.

February 23, 2015

Matt was lovely...a joy. My heart and soul are with Sarah and their kids. Life is sometimes just beyond unfair...this was beyond unfair. Miss you Matt...xoxoxo to Sarah and kiddies. SO many xoxoxox's

Stephen and Susan Nagle

September 15, 2014

Sarah and family, We felt badly that we had to miss the benefit, but very happy to see that it was a full house!!! You and Matt are much loved. Peace.

Leah & Justin Joy

September 13, 2014

Sara, we are so sorry to read of Matt's passing. He was an incredibly talented and wonderful man. Our sincere condolences to you, your beautiful children, and entire family.

Mark Johnston

September 12, 2014

Although I haven't seen you in years, the memories of growing up in Gang Mills with you never faded old friend. Until we meet again......God speed Matt.

Heather Cole

September 11, 2014

I am still in disbelief that Matt is no longer with us. He was such a great person and friend, always laughing, always making people smile with his awesome sense of humor. I feel fortunate having known him. I am thinking of him and your family every day and sending my thoughts and prayers.

Theresa & Kris Dunlavey

September 10, 2014

Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
-Theresa & Kris Dunlavey

"I know for certain that we never lose the people we love, even to death. They continue to participate in every act, thought and decision we make. Their love leaves an indelible imprint in our memories. We find comfort in knowing that our lives have been enriched by having shared their love." ~Leo Buscaglia

John and Linda Johnston

September 9, 2014

Matt was one of the finest young men we've ever known; great work ethic and sense of humor. We are not surprised that he was a wonderful father and husband. We hope his family and friends find comfort in Matt's legacy.

Patty Blakeslee

September 9, 2014

Heartfelt sympathy to Sarah, children & extended family. Gone too soon. Hugs

Heidi Tighe

September 9, 2014

To a very good man, gone too soon:

Thanks for pleasing our palates and tickling our funny bones.
Watch over your dear little family, Matt.
Hugs from Heidi

Vin Trainor

September 9, 2014

Rest in peace, Matt

Bruce and Patricia limberg

September 8, 2014

our thoughts and prayers are with you at this very sad time. may your memories of Matt as a healthy young son,husband, father and brother help ease your grief.

Sue Stephens

September 8, 2014

My sincere condolences to Matt's entire family, and especially to Sara and their children.

Jack & Gloria Elliott

September 8, 2014

May God bless you and your family at this trying time.

Stacy Southard

September 8, 2014

My heart goes out to you all.

Kathy Adamek

September 7, 2014

Sara and children, we are so sorry of hearing of Matt's passing. just wanted to let you know we are thinking of you and your family.
Kathy and Doug Adamek

sean cota

September 7, 2014

Matt it seems like it was yesterday meeting u in horigans kitchen and though it seems your not even gone but not that your even sick your laugh and your cheer bronght smiles to everyones faces even in the worst mood seeing your cheer made everyonelaugh at your silly jokes your irish accents and at last your passion for cooking horigans will notbe the same with out you rip old friend gone but never forgotten

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McInerny Funeral Home

502 W. Water St., Elmira, NY 14901

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