Matthew S. Kostanski

1988 - 2022

Matthew S. Kostanski

Greenfield, MA — Matthew Scott Kostanski, 34, died unexpectedly Sunday 8/28/22 at the Baystate Medical Center in Springfield. He was born in Greenfield on March 24, 1988, the son of William and Mary (Carme) Kostanski. Matt attended local schools in Greenfield and was a graduate of Greenfield High School Class of 2006. After high school, Matt spent some time in Southern Florida before moving back up to Massachusetts.

While playing Pop Warner Football, Matt was the youngest person to kick an extra point. He also played Greenfield Minor League baseball and loved playing basketball.

For a period of time, Matt was employed at the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation at Mount Sugarloaf. He truly enjoyed working outdoors and in nature and had a talent for growing. No matter the plant, Matt could care for it.

Matt was extremely dedicated to his current work as a Master Cultivator at The Heirloom Collective in Bernardston. One of the first employees, Matt helped grow the company from the ground up, helping to create the company they are today. Not only did he enjoy the work he did there, he enjoyed all the people and friends he connected with.

Prior to working at The Heirloom Collective, Matt has always been involved in the family business. He was passionate in many aspects when working at the Kostanski Funeral Home, from maintaining the buildings to working funerals, he was always there to lend a hand anytime it was needed. Matt was still a big part of Kostanski Funeral Home, facilitating and advising his dad and sister with the dynamics of the family business.

Matt fell in love with dogs after unexpectedly adopting Tia. She was a rock for Matt, carrying him through many difficult times and was his true companion. After Tia's passing, Matt made room in his heart for two puppies, Chief and Luna, who miss him dearly.

Not only did Matt enjoy working outside, he loved outdoor activities, especially taking his dogs to the river. Most recently, he decided to try snowboarding and kayaking.

Matt was a private person who was quiet, gentle and loved deeply. Family meant everything to Matt. When he wasn't working, Matt loved going to his parent's house for family dinners and spending time hanging out at parties and get togethers. One of his favorite things to do was hang out with Penelope and Dimitri, teaching them how to care for the dogs, build awesome forts and be silly with their Uncle Matt. He taught them to be healthy, connect with the earth and enjoy the sun on your face. Matt believed in being the best person you can be and to keep on going when things got hard.

He was an avid thoroughbred horse race enthusiast, who loved the challenge of Handicapping. Matt and Billy would spend countless hours studying their racing forms and watching races together.

Among his survivors, Matt leaves his parents, Billy, his best friend and Mary, his number one; his sister, Britney Gioules , who was Matt's first call for everything and her husband George, the brother Matt never had; his Goddaughter, Penelope Gioules, who was his first baby; his nephew, Dimitri Gioules, who's personality mirrors Matt's; his Cioci and Godfather, Karen and Mike Larabee; an uncle and aunt, Jay and Pam Kostanski; an aunt, Bette Ann Kostanski; an uncle, Tony Carme; the aunts, Carol Ruggeri, his Godmother, Diane Carme and Margy Carme. Matt was number 13 of Carme's Grand Army which includes his cousins, Joey, Amy, Steve, Chris, Johnny, Mary, Dave, Jeff and Cambrie. He also leaves his cousins, Michael Jon, Kyle and Brent Kostanski; and countless extended family members and friends.

In heaven, Matt was greeted by his Dziadzi and Babci, Henry and Irene Kostanski; his grandfather, Norman Carme; his nana, Rita Carme; his uncle, Michael "Skippy" Kostanski; his aunt, Linda Carme and his beloved dog, Tia.

A Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held Thursday 9/1 at 10am at Blessed Sacrament Church, 221 Federal Street, Greenfield. Burial will follow at Green River Cemetery in Greenfield.

Calling hours will be held Wednesday afternoon from 2-6pm at the Kostanski Funeral Home, 220 Federal Street, Greenfield.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Matthew Scott Kostanski Memorial Foundation, Greenfield Savings Bank, 400 Main Street, Greenfield, MA 01301.

For condolences, please visit www.kostanskifuneralhome.com.