Matthew David Jacobson

Matthew David Jacobson of Troy, Michigan passed away peacefully on 4/28/19 following a recent myocardial infarction. He was 54 years old. Having completed a Masters in Social Work from Wayne State University, he was a Social Worker for most of his adult life. He was also an avid gardener and a fervent animal lover who rescued and cared for many pets in his lifetime, survived by his two rescue dogs Blackie and Hazel.

Matthew was the devoted and loving son of Dorothy A., and Kenneth W. Jacobson. Matt provided them with care and support and was instrumental in enabling them to continue living independently in their home. He is also survived by four brothers. His oldest brother Bob considered him a ‘guardian angel’ who excelled in helping other people; Matthew was instrumental in helping Bob locate and upgrade his home where they lived on the same block in Oak Park, MI for many years. His brother Mark and his partner Dave Bobrow of San Diego, CA appreciated his offbeat sense of humor and were regular summer visitors in Matthew’s home, sharing many late-night barbeques with his friends and family. Matthew’s twin brother Jon of Ann Arbor, MI shared a unique relationship that very few would understand, including the brothers themselves at various times. Jon’s wife Karen was also especially close with Matt, and the three of them treasured the memories of the many Sundays spent with their parents, laughing, and sharing stories. Their two daughters, nieces Erica and Marie, appreciated his love of life and shared his passion for pets; they provided him with love, care, and comfort during the last weeks of his life. He is also survived by his brother Ken Jr. and his wife Shelley of Sylvan Lake, MI and their children Joel (wife Amy) of Denver CO, Alyssa (husband Nick Sylvester) of Austin, TX, and youngest daughter Hannah of New York City. Hannah and her wife Amanda Babine also developed a close bond with Matthew in the last several years, and he helped them celebrate their wedding several years ago in one of his very few trips outside of Michigan. Finally, Matthew had a talent for establishing very close ties with a wide range of individuals over his lifetime. He will be fondly remembered by many close friends and colleagues, too numerous to mention. Matthew was a member of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks, and a celebration of his life will be held at the Clawson Troy Elks’ Lodge on Saturday May 4, 2017 (11am-3pm). Donations in his memory can be directed to Happy Days Dog and Cat Rescue (www.happydaysdogandcatrescue.org) or to your local animal rescue. We’d like to acknowledge the compassion and superlative care Matt received at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center. To honor Matthew’s life, plant a flower or tree, rescue an animal, be kind to others, and live with exuberance. He will be greatly missed but he lives on in our hearts.