Matthew J. Hersey

BARRE TOWN - Matthew John Hersey, 40, of Barre Town, beloved and very special son of Sharon L. Hersey, passed away at The University of Vermont Medical Center on Feb. 1, 2015, after a courageous battle with pneumonia.

Matthew was born on Dec. 4, 1974, in Berlin. He attended Barre Town School for eight years, where he formed a strong bond with his teacher, Sue Gibson, whom he never forgot. He graduated from Harwood Union High School, where he made many lifelong friends. Matthew never forgot anyone he met, being able to recognize and remember their names years later.

Matt was initially involved with Washington County Mental Health Services and subsequently had a special and long-lasting connection with Upper Valley Services in Moretown, where he forged many permanent and loving relationships. Through the agency, he performed various services in the community, the most recent being assisting with the delivery of Meals on Wheels in the Barre-Montpelier area.

Over the years, Matthew was fortunate to have very special individuals who welcomed him into their families and enriched his life with their boundless love and exceptional care. These individuals include Kim Corbett and her companion, Jeremy Chouinard; Aaron Corbett; Kim and Aaron's daughters, Ryley and Ayden; Tara Fitzgerald, her companion, Chris Wilder, and their son, Gavin.

For the past six years, Matthew was privileged to have the opportunity to expand his life experiences with his second "family," James Raymond and Tiffany Moore. Matt was a huge help to them in every aspect of building their new home in Moretown. Thanks to their devotion and love, Matt's life was further enriched by countless activities he was exposed to including boating, fishing, working in the sugar woods, building, riding on ATVs and snowmobiles and doing tons (literally) of firewood, which he enjoyed immensely. James took great pride in his "hardworking man." Tiffany involved him in art, yoga, meditation, singing and dance parties. Matt also formed a very special bond with the family dogs, Timber, Cherry and Ryder, which he called his "little friends," and was usually found snuggling with one or more of them on the couch.

Matt took particular joy in playing mini golf, practicing his putting skills, shooting hoops, playing Frisbee, swimming and racquetball. He also loved music of all types, particularly "oldies," and movies, his favorites being "Harry and the Hendersons," "A Christmas Story" and "It's a Wonderful Life." He was especially fond of playing toss with his "Grammy" and assisting her with her weekly grocery shopping. Always a special time for him was taking RAV rides with his sister, Jen, and the mutual teasing with his brother-in-law, Chris. Matthew always looked forward to crossing the big green bridge into Maine, spending time at Wells Beach swimming, boogie boarding and eating at the Steak House, where he always ordered his favorite - "scablets."

Matthew is survived by his mother, Sharon L. Hersey, and her companion, Mason R. Whitcomb; sister Jennifer (Jenny-Jen-Jen) Hersey and her husband, Christiaan Vigneault; grandmother Stella LaFountain; his aunt DeeDee and uncle Bob Rupert and their daughter, Nicole Wisnewski; his uncle Larry LaFountain; his uncle Clifton "Count" Hersey and his children, Tammy and Mark Hersey; his uncle Wayne Hersey and his daughters, Heather and Heidi Hersey, and their mother, Pat Hersey; and by his aunt Mona Hersey and her sons, Joe and Doug Hayes. He is also survived by Jordan T. Atkins, who was one of his best buddies and like a brother to him.

He was predeceased by his father, Lee C. Hersey; paternal grandparents Clifton and Loretta Hersey; maternal grandfather, Nelson R. LaFountain; uncle Alan LaFountain; and aunt Christie Hersey.

Matthew charmed all those he met with his smile, sense of humor and unconditional love. His loss leaves a void in our hearts and lives that can never be filled.

Visiting hours will be at the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, 58 Summer St. in Barre, on Saturday, Feb. 7, 2015, at 2 p.m. followed by a celebration of Matthew's life at 3 p.m. Extra parking is available at the St. Monica Catholic Church parking lot.

Committal will be in the spring at Wilson Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, 26 Broadway, 14th Floor, New York, NY 10004 or go online at drf.org and click on "Memorial Donation."

Arrangements are in the care of the Pruneau-Polli Funeral Home, Barre, Vermont.