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Matthew Delgadillo Obituary
August 24, 1955-September 3, 2013
Resident of Aptos
Matt passed away on September 3, 2013 of a heart attack while hiking in the woods of Aptos. He was a lover of life, earth and sea and all of its offerings. An avid outdoorsman, he loved fishing, surfing, swimming and sports of all kinds. Matt excelled at every sport he tried. Scouted by baseball leagues in high school he decided to surf exotic places around the world instead. He swam with the masters in the early mornings before work. Matt competed in a seven mile open ocean competition and placed in his division. He enjoyed fly fishing and ocean fishing. He loved water skiing and snow skiing, tennis, golf, hiking and all sports. In his younger years he participated in Wharf to Wharf races and would often run with friends from Capitola to Moss Landing along the beach. Matt was a talented musician and artist, with a keen eye for all things beautiful. Matt's artistic talents on canvas lead to a successful career as a tile and granite contractor. His unique works in homes, estates and local businesses will continue to be a legacy to his talent. Matt's wandering nature and thirst for adventure took him too many beautiful places around the world. Matt was a true renaissance man with a bohemian nature and was known by many and loved by all. He was taken from us too soon and his presence with us on earth will always be remembered. Matt's last words before he left us were "this is beautiful". Matt is survived by his wife Krista Wright Delgadillo of Aptos; daughter, Anna Nicole Delgadillo of Aptos; sisters, Carrie Merzbacher of San Diego and Marcie Burgett of Boise, ID; brother, Frederick Delgadillo, Jr. of San Francisco; step- mother, Diane Delgadillo of Boise, ID; step-father, James Van Deusen, Sr. of Turlock; step-brothers, Gregory Van Deusen of Soquel, James Van Deusen, Jr. of Reno, NV and Bradley Van Deusen of Houston, TX. His family will ensure his memory lives on. He was preceded in death by his mother, Sylvia Ann Van Deusen and his father, Frederick Delgadillo. A paddle out will be planned in Matt's memory in late October. Please visit www.pacificgardenschapel.com to light a candle in Matt's memory or to express your condolences to Matt's family.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Delgadillo
Bobby Ledesma
September 9, 2024
Miss you matt. See you on the other side.
Diana
March 5, 2023
Mattie was my cousin. Still is. It's so very good to read everyone's memories of him. He was warm and had such a sunny personality. He was super intuitive and sensitive to people and loved to deep discussions (just like his Dad - and Uncle Bob). His observations of a situation could be so funny and crack me up. I never saw him surf, but did watch him waterski with our family and all of us cousins back when we were kids.
Who knew that seeing him at the Santa Cruz Hotel would be our last short, but sweet family gathering?
We miss you.
B
September 9, 2021
Mateo was a wonderful man. He loved his wife and daughter so very much. His love continues to live on in the hearts of all who knew him.
Bobby Ledesma
September 9, 2020
Still in my heart. Miss you brother
James Elder
September 9, 2020
One of the best friends I have made in life. We shared a house in SC for years. Miss him every day.
tom brown
February 27, 2014
matteo matteo you always had it going
always left me with that great smile n laugh i still see you coming out of that bottom turn in the surf thanks for the good times beautiful tile and granite and our friendship not to be forgotten a hui hou brother matt they broke the mold on you ya know
Keith Lindeke
November 23, 2013
Matt I can't believe your gone brother, your sorely missed. You went way to young. I'll see ya on the other side.
November 20, 2013
Dear Krista and Anna,
We send our sympathy to you and the family. Back in the pre school days at CEC , it was always great to see Matt picking up Anna from school......happy memories. Bless his soul and may he rest in peace.
The Calcagno Family
October 31, 2013
I always remember Matt's eyes.Wise and full of wonder.So sorry to hear of his passing,way too soon.My thoughts are with his Family,What a Good Spirit he Is!
Marie Waltrip
October 2, 2013
In memory of Matt-may he be at peace and for his wife and daughter-so sorry for your loss. Thinking of you all.
Lori Lorraine Ramirez-Lindeke
September 28, 2013
I first met Matt in high school. My boyfriend, Troy, was friends with Matt. Right away I knew Matt was a warm, gentle giant, with that gorgeous smile of his and that 'ha' hearty laugh. Just to hear him laugh, made you laugh! As we grew older, it was always a pleasure to get together with him and Krista. Kids came and with that came Anna, what a Beautiful Girl! I'm sure she will carry on the great traits of her Mom and Dad. My heart goes out to Krista and Anna, and all of Matts' entire family. I weep as I write this, but it comforts me to know, that I will see him again in our next life. Your smile Matt, is forever etched in my memory, and I thank you for that! I'll miss you Matt, till I see you again. With Much Love, Lori Lorraine Ramirez-Lindeke
September 23, 2013
Matt you loved life to the fullest and you were so proud of your wife and daughter. We are lucky to enjoy your beautiful tile work on a daily basis, in our home and will always be reminded of the true artist you were in all aspects of your life. Joe and Margot
September 22, 2013
You may also light a candle at Pacificgardenchapel.com
James Kelly
September 21, 2013
A very personable and talented individual. I wish the best for all the family. We worked together at Malio's on the SC Wharf, and we could not have made through the workday without the group including Matt.
Mike Gomes
September 19, 2013
Matteo, you will be missed and thought of often. We shared some great timesgrowing up at sewer peak and goin to high school. You, me, troy, pat and ila spending time at rockview. Special times. Like when we went to la libertad, el salvadore and stayed six months. Unbelivalbe, fantastic times. Great memories. Just like i will remember you. I love you my friend. See you on the other side.
John Gautieri (Aptos Tile Works)
September 18, 2013
Being around Matteo was always fun. He retained special qualities. Matt has a great soul and I will greatly miss seeing him around town. I have fond memories of Dads and daughters days - when our girls (Anna and Arden) were little and Matt and I would take them out to pizza.
September 18, 2013
please visit Pacific Garden Chapel to read more thoughts of Matt and leave one for him.
Kimberly Sprague
September 17, 2013
Just saw Matteo at the Rio Rats Reunion, so nice to talk to him again. Great smile great laugh big hardy hug, only wish I knew it would be the last hug would have hugged harder.
kenny Jay
September 17, 2013
I've known Matt since high school and it was always fun seeing him around town. We had a lot of fun together in our youth worked together on housing projects since. We'll all miss that big smile and the warm handshakes he gave so freely.
Kenny Jay
Margaret Wheeler(Morrison)
September 17, 2013
I remember Matt from high school, he was not only one of the really cute guy's, and of course one of the popular surfers, but a really kind, and non judgmental guy ,as well as being really big hearted, he was someone I feel very blessed to have had for a friend, I can only imagine how much he will be missed because my heart hurts for the loss of such a beautiful man, I will see you again my friend, in Heaven
B.L.
September 16, 2013
Love your friends. Thank you Matteo
September 16, 2013
I was devastated, and immediately brought to tears when I first learned of my brother's passing. There were so many "good times" to come that we wanted to share... I always looked forward to seeing Matt. Our families have remained close over the years, and now the emptiness has caught me off guard. It always seemed each time we would get together, it was Matt's goal to leave you just a little happier than the way he found you. Always the center of attention, cracking jokes and laughing, never without a story to tell, Matt made us all laugh, usually finishing up with a classic Mateo belly laugh. I will continue as always to be very proud of Matt, proud of him as my brother, and best friend.
Happy trails Mateo, I'll be seeing you.
Greg-
Keith Lindke
September 16, 2013
Matt was one of those guys that if you knew him ya loved the guy. He was a one of a kind, an easy going no worries kind of a person. that's what I loved about him, and will be sorely miss brother. And may Jesus bless you for an eternity.
September 16, 2013
Mattie I Love You RIP
Jim Furlong
September 16, 2013
I met Matt the first time while just a kid. Later connecting again in High School together, swimming and more swimming . With that warm smile was always a kind heart. We have connected briefly in recent years. He always seemed at peace with life and whatever came his way. God Bless you buddy!
Carrie pate
September 15, 2013
I always loved that sweet smile, and big hugs. I will miss seeing you at the pool.
Kathryn Machi
September 15, 2013
I knew Matt in my teens, when we all were young and beautiful and going all kinds of places. His warm brown eyes and beautiful smile lit up the room. I never heard him say anything but good things, about anyone and everything; his easy laugh made the world a more joyous place. My deepest and most sincere condolences to all of Matt's family. He will be greatly missed.
James Elder
September 15, 2013
I know a lot of people but not all of them are friends. Mateo was a friend of mine and has been for 4 decades. We shared a house in Pleasure Point during the 80's and had many wonderful days surfing and living life to its fullest. One of the biggest hearted guys to ever come down the pipe. will be remembered forever. see you in heaven brother.
DON ALCALA
September 15, 2013
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
September 15, 2013
A true friend, renaissance man, and brother. We all should have the wonder and curiosity, and as Matt did, along with the guts to see it through and experience the world.
Irrepressible and irreplaceable, he's no doubt catching tasty waves in heaven right now.
chewy kelly
September 15, 2013
very sad to hear of matteo's passing.i'll remember him with a smile on my face, the same as his whenever we ran into each other. he was a fine man with a true love for the water and crazy in love with his daughter.r.i.p.
September 15, 2013
So very sorry for the loss of this talented man. I know he impacted the lives of many he met in life. May his family members always feel the great love he had for them. Bless you.
Chad Connor
September 15, 2013
Matt was so blessed, and so talented. And now he gets use those blessing and talents for all eternity in the Heavenly realm.
My thoughts and prayers are to all of his family.
Chad
Janice Quigley-brown
September 15, 2013
I will always remember you Mat , a sweet guy Happy trails in the life beyond.
September 15, 2013
willam and rita straver
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Benito & Azzaro Pacific Gardens Chapel - Santa Cruz1050 Cayuga St, Santa Cruz, CA 95062
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