Matthew T. Canfield

Canfield, Matthew T. TROY Our beautiful boy, Matthew Thomas Canfield, died tragically on April 1, 2011. Matt was born on a bright, sunny day, August 15, 1976. He was the dearly beloved only son of Kathleen Ryan Canfield and Paul Canfield. He was the best son parents could ever hope for and had a heart as big as the sky. We will hold dear the years that we had with Matt as they were a treasured gift. He was a mere 34 years young when God called him home. Matt also leaves behind his heartbroken sister, Kristy, who always admired him for his strength in meeting adversity. He also leaves behind his canine family members, Toby and Abbie who he dearly loved. Matt's parents and sister can barely imagine what life without him will be and will remember him in so many ways for the rest of their lives. Matt attended Troy schools and graduated from Troy High. He spent many years playing baseball in Brunswick Little League and was forever proud of a no hitter that he pitched there. Matt also leaves behind a large grief stricken family of aunts and uncles who were crazy about their charismatic and fun loving nephew. They include Terry and Ann Ryan, Neil Ryan, Dennis and Mary Ryan, Kris and Mike Bennett, and Brendan and Tina Ryan. He shared a special friendship with each one of his uncles. Matt also loved his numerous cousins and the feeling was mutual. They grew up playing ball together in Gram and Grampy's yard, laughing at holiday dinners and just enjoying each other's company. Matt held a special place in his heart for his special cousin Cate, who gave birth shortly after Matt left this earth. We are certain that their paths crossed in this journey and that Matt let the new little one know what a special family that she was entering. Besides his family Matt cherished his legion of friends, many who were childhood friends, but many others gained as he traveled through this world. They were the best friends that anyone could ever ask for and his family will be forever grateful for the outpouring of sympathy and kindness expressed over his loss by his friends. Spending time with friends was something Matt loved to do along with cooking, and traveling. He loved sports, especially Ohio State and Oklahoma. March Madness will never be the same for his friends without him. Most people did not look forward to Monday morning but Matt loved his work family. He had just celebrated 10 years of service with the Department of Labor. People instantly loved Matt wherever he went and the state was no exception. They took him under their wing and it has been reported that he has at least fifty heartbroken "work Moms". Knowing this has given his family great solace. Matt always lived his life believing that you should make the most out of each day because you never really knew when it would end and for that we are grateful. He was greeted at the gates of heaven by his late grandparents, Ruth and Thomas Ryan who adored him. Also wagging their tails and waiting to greet him at the Rainbow Bridge were Killy and his favorite pet Jordy. Our Matt was a kind and gentle soul who both gave and was the recipient of many acts of kindness in his brief time here on earth. In his memory his family asks that you pass an act of kindness along to someone else who could benefit from it. The family asks if you would like to make a donation in Matt's memory to consider the Mohawk and Hudson River Humane Society, 3 Oakland Avenue, Menands, NY 12204. Funeral services will be held on Thursday, April 7 at Our Lady of Victory Church in Troy where a Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 11:00 a.m. Friends and relatives are invited and may call on Wednesday evening from 4-8 p.m. at the Doran Funeral Home, 9 So. Lake Avenue in Troy.