Matthew passed away after living with HIV/AIDS for many years. He lived in Atlanta before he died, and used his gifts for humor and communications to teach elementary school children in some of Atlanta's poorest neighborhoods.
I knew Matthew ever since 3rd grade in Minadeo Elementary when I moved to Pittsburgh from St. Paul, Minnesota. We were in a variety of classes, but the majority of the memories stem from all of the years (since grade school) while in the Choir. He and I were always getting together to rehearse for some show or other, especially once we were in 9th-12th grade. I have an infinite amount of fond memories of the "A" Choir, with Mrs. Lewis, where we did many performances; and I will never forget the madrigal group that we were a part of in our senior year where we competed with other madrigal high school choirs .... What an honor that he and I were selected to be a part of the chosen "8" to compete, when our choir consisted of 80+ people! We also attended Edinboro U of PA together -- I was there for only one semester. We kind of lost touch when I left, and just a few years later I heard that he had died. I was so sad because I had no idea he had been ill. At least I still have audio tapes from high school to remember some of those performances -- including graduation AND rehearsals of the madrigal group -- which took place at my house. I actually have him talking on my audio tape from that rehearsal at my house.... He was a very good friend and someone not to be forgotten.
Barry Ziker
Matthew passed away after living with HIV/AIDS for many years. He lived in Atlanta before he died, and used his gifts for humor and communications to teach elementary school children in some of Atlanta's poorest neighborhoods.
Tila Shapiro (Cohen)
Matthew and I sat next to each other through most of Minadeo grade school and in select classes at Allderdice.
He had a great sense of humor and we always had a lot of fun (especially in French class) and shared many laughs and stories.
Lisa Miner (Kilmer)
I knew Matthew ever since 3rd grade in Minadeo Elementary when I moved to Pittsburgh from St. Paul, Minnesota. We were in a variety of classes, but the majority of the memories stem from all of the years (since grade school) while in the Choir. He and I were always getting together to rehearse for some show or other, especially once we were in 9th-12th grade. I have an infinite amount of fond memories of the "A" Choir, with Mrs. Lewis, where we did many performances; and I will never forget the madrigal group that we were a part of in our senior year where we competed with other madrigal high school choirs .... What an honor that he and I were selected to be a part of the chosen "8" to compete, when our choir consisted of 80+ people! We also attended Edinboro U of PA together -- I was there for only one semester. We kind of lost touch when I left, and just a few years later I heard that he had died. I was so sad because I had no idea he had been ill. At least I still have audio tapes from high school to remember some of those performances -- including graduation AND rehearsals of the madrigal group -- which took place at my house. I actually have him talking on my audio tape from that rehearsal at my house.... He was a very good friend and someone not to be forgotten.