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.
So saddened to hear of Matt’s passing. Condolences to all the families.
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Matt was our service manager for many years and appreciated his always friendly professional service we have just come back from Utah to visit and heard the news the news shook us to the core and saddened deeply .