Matthew R. Epperly was born on Nov. 4, 1996, in Newton Hospital, and from the time of his birth he was a wonderful, loving, sweet and innocent child. This boy grew into a man with strong values and a solid Christan belief system.
He excelled at High Point Regional High School, where he was one of the stars on the stage and in the choir. He taught himself to sing as he was born tone-deaf, but with hard work developed a beautiful angelic voice. He would sing all the time: in the shower, on his couch, and in the car.
He loved music. He loved movies as well, developing all on his own a wonderful website where he reviewed all the current movies at mepperly5filmreviews.wordpress.com. I think he loved the New York Jets even more as he repeatedly told me how excited he was for the coming season with the new rookie quarterback. I am going to miss him so much. One thing that we did for going on ten years was to go to the Applebee’s and watch every Jets game. I am going to really miss that.
Matthew was a great son and brother. He was very close to his siblings, Isabel and Josh. He loved his older brothers, Johnny and Chris, who were living out on their own. At the time of his death from a brain hemorrhage, Matthew was working two jobs, one at his beloved theater in Matamoras, Pa., and another at the Ross’s Corner Quik Chek in Frankford, N.J., as well as writing for his blog.
Matthew spent a few summers working at a Christian Camp in upstate New York, something that he thoroughly enjoyed. He never missed Holy Mass and prayed every night before bed. He was the kind of guy who friends could come to for advice. He was my right-hand man around the house and I always felt more secure knowing that my son Matt was in the next room at night. I can’t put to words how much you’ll be missed, and how much we love you. We will never forget you. Love, Dad.
Matthew is survived by his siblings, Josh, Isabel, Johnny, and Chris; his loving mother, Jazmin; his father, Robert; his Godfather, Franco Lombardo; and his many good friends. Our family has set up a GoFundMe page on my Facebook: Robert Epperly.
Visitation was held May 19 at the Iliff-Ruggiero Funeral Home, Newton, N.J. Funeral Mass will be held Thursday. May 20, at 11 a.m. in the Our Lady Queen of Peace Roman Catholic Church, #209 Route 206, Branchville, N.J.