Matthew (Matt) Steven Bartolo, born 7/22/1963 in Ware, Massachusetts passed away suddenly on Sunday, 8/23/2020 from a cardiac event.
Matt served in the Army as an MP soon after graduating from high school. He was Honorably Discharged after serving two tours of duty, whereupon he moved to the St. Petersburg, Florida area to join his mother and brothers.
Matt started out in sales at Art Palmi’s Dodge City and eventually moved to the service drive as a Service Advisor—to provide a steady income to raise his family. He worked over thirty years in the automotive industry. He collected letters, notes and later emails from customers who were impressed with his work—his professionalism, his caring attitude and how he “got things done.”
Anyone who knew Matt also knew that he was a lifelong fan of the Tampa Bay Lightning. He didn’t miss a game, whether it was to attend in person, on TV, or record it and watch it later. Judging by the size of his memorabilia collection, Lightning Hockey was a passion for Matt.
Matt was thankful to have been able to serve in the Army, was intent on doing his best on the job, and was the quintessential Lightning Fan, but his greatest love was for his family. He leaves behind his beloved children, Ashlee Taylor and Brian Bartolo, his adored granddaughter, Harlee, and girlfriend and partner in crime of nearly 19 years, BillieJo Malti, as well as his younger, probably annoying, brothers, Anthony and Brad, and other extended family members. He will be missed by his family and friends, co-workers and customers.
Matt’s favorite charity was Hospice. His mother died of cancer in 1992 and Hospice was there at the end to ease her passing. Every year at Christmas Matt sought out a Hospice gift wrapping table in order to get his gifts wrapped (something he actually wasn’t good at himself) and to support Hospice. If you would like, please send a gift to Hospice in Matt’s memory.
Whenever there is a storm, imagine that Matt is still being the “Thunder” for the Lightning while sending down his love to rain on us all.
My thoughts and prayers are with the family. I sorry for your loss. RIP Matt
So sorry for your loss. Matt was one of the good guys and there’s dam few of us left. I talked to Matt not long ago and he said as soon as he got some time he was coming up to see me. Maybe one of these days I’ll go to see him. God Bless you Matt.
So sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to his children and family.
My condolences,Sorry for your loss
He was a good man. I was honored to have known him. He was a great and loving Father.
Miss you buddy. You are truly missed. Hunter says hi. He doesn’t understand but wanted to say hi one more time. Love you homie!
So sorry to hear about Matt’s passing. Sending thoughts and prayers to his children, family and friends.
miss you man, you always made coming into work enjoyable. You will be missed by everyone
To my bother Matt. You are a great dad ,brother and friend. I have so many great memories of us growing up. I love you and you are now with mom and dad.
Billie Jo- I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. We send our deepest sympathy and love to you with prayers for comfort for you and Matt’s family during this difficult time.
Matt one of the very best at what he did, we were a great team for a very long time. God Bless our thoughts and prayers with BillyJo and all Matt’s family. Go Bolts!!
So sorry to hear about Matt! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Matt, Brad, and Tony was my first babysitting job. Not easy being the cousin babysitter! Boy did I get in trouble when their parents got home!!!! LOL I served in the Army as well in the 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley, where Matt served as well. It was great swapping stories about Ft. Riley with Matt. ❤️
So sorry to hear about Matt! Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you at this time. Matt, Brad, and Tony was my first babysitting job. Not easy being the cousin babysitter! Boy did I get in trouble when their parents got home!!!! LOL I served in the Army as well in the 1st Infantry Division at Ft. Riley, where Matt served as well. It was great swapping stories about Ft. Riley with Matt.
Matt was such a good mentor and a great person to be with all the time. He taught me so much with work and life, I can’t believe he’s gone. He definitely will not be forgotten.
I am floored and deeply saddened by this news. Matt was a really good guy and hate this for his family.
Matt was like a son to me. He was a good friend, great father to my grandchildren, proud grandfather and loving partners to BillieJo. I was always so proud of him, he was a great man. He will be greatly missed.
My sincere condolences for your loss…sending prayers for you and your family at this difficult time 😞
I am so very sorry for the loss of your father, Ashlee & Brian. Sending you my love,peace & continued prayers.
ASHLEE,THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR POSTING MATT’S OBITUARY HENRY AND I WERE SHOCKED TO HEAR OF HIS PASSING HENRY,BEING MATT’S UNCLE IS SO NICE TO RECEIVED THIS,OUR PRAYERS AND THOUGHT GO OUT FOR THE FAMILY LOVE YOU
Matt, I couldn’t have asked for a better older brother. We had so much fun growing up,and I cherish the memories. I always admired the way you raised your family,your love for your children,and your passion for the Lightning. My thoughts and prayers go out to your family. I love you, and may God rest your soul.
So sorry for your loss. RIP
Matt and my husband were friends. I met Matt at bowling tournaments and of course, at the car dealership. When I needed to have work done on the car, I always knew that I could trust Matt to give me an honest opinion and good advice. I know a great number of people missed him when he left the dealership. He dearly loved his family. RIP, Matt. You were always one of the good guys!
RIP My old friend. There was a time long ago when we three were inseparable. You me and Ves.
My condolences to your brothers and friends
I grew up with Matt on Old Farm Rd. We all had some great times in the neighborhood. Loved the Bartolo family!! Miss his Mom and Dad. May he rest in peace and my condolences to his family and Brad and Tony also!!🙏🙏
I am so very sorry for you family’s loss. I’m saddened to hear of this and he was too young to leave this world behind. He was an awesome guy. I remember having so much fun back in the day. He will be missed. May he RIP.
Sorry for your loss, Brad.
How very sorry we are to have lost such a wonderful guy in our family. Matt, where ever you are just know that you are greatly missed and all those wonderful memories gathered through the years will be forever cherished. We look forward to that walk in the park and the fun dinners with you and BillieJo again for we will surely meet again. Our hearts 💕 go out to Ashlee, Brian, BillieJo, and all the rest of the family for this great loss.